Freebies - should we think again maybe?

CVID

Like most people here, I've sent off for free samples many times - but I'm beginning to have second thoughts from the green perspective.

Isn't there a big 'carbon footprint' implied by all this transporting around (not to mention the packaging aspect) of all these millions of tiny bits and pieces which MSE-ers alone must account for each year?

I'm beginning to think that I've been a bit selfish in seeing the £0 sign in front of my eyes rather than think about what this may be doing to the environment.

Maybe there's a positive side to this but the more I consider it, the less likely this seems.

Any views? What proportion of all these samples actually result in an ongoing, regular purchase of the item concerned?

mrsyorkie

I only apply for the samples i want and will use, which results in me buying quite a lot of products after having a sample of it.

If you are concerned about your carbon footprint, then stop ordering freebies, it's that simple. In fact, everyone should stop doing this and then there would be more left for me!!!

rizla01

CVID wrote:

Like most people here, I've sent off for free samples many times - but I'm beginning to have second thoughts from the green perspective.

Isn't there a big 'carbon footprint' implied by all this transporting around (not to mention the packaging aspect) of all these millions of tiny bits and pieces which MSE-ers alone must account for each year?

I'm beginning to think that I've been a bit selfish in seeing the £0 sign in front of my eyes rather than think about what this may be doing to the environment.

Maybe there's a positive side to this but the more I consider it, the less likely this seems.

Any views? What proportion of all these samples actually result in an ongoing, regular purchase of the item concerned?

Absolutely spot-on!

Regular purchases following freebies? - Not from what I have witnessed on MSE, HDUK and other similar forums.

Most selfishly take but don't give IME.

I have seen the silliest freebie being ordered using lots of different EMs.

I am sure that if more people were truly aware of the environmental impact that this would have for our Grandchildrens future, then they MIGHT think again but unfortunately, and IME, I very much doubt it in this 'live for today' and the 'Me, Me' society that is abound these days.

kathyb1230

Like Mrsyorkie, I only apply for freebies which I know I'll use. However, I won't apply for anything if it involves a massive wastage...for example there's a freebie on here somewhere saying that if you send off for a 96 page brochure then you'll get a free pen.
That's the kind of freebie I stay clear of, just can't justify (to myself) the wastage for the sake of a pen!

markwi

if you really want to make a difference trying campaigning to force the usa and australia the worlds biggest polluters,to sign up to the kyoto agreement.

mrsyorkie

kathyb1230 wrote:

Like Mrsyorkie, I only apply for freebies which I know I'll use. However, I won't apply for anything if it involves a massive wastage...for example there's a freebie on here somewhere saying that if you send off for a 96 page brochure then you'll get a free pen.
That's the kind of freebie I stay clear of, just can't justify (to myself) the wastage for the sake of a pen!

I'm the same and in all honesty, i can't be bothered to go through loads of palava to get a free pen!!

thriftyjo

Yes I only try to get the freebies that I can actually make use of and need anyway - but many do just get things because they are free and I think this is wrong. We all need to consider and take responsibilty of our own actions and environmental impact.

I know alot of people on here a freecylcers and make use of charity shops. Money saving doesnt have to be damaging to the environment - i.e choosing supplieers like https://www.eco-office-supplies.co.uk who offer stuff at reasonable prices but are also taking responsibilty over the recycling of the products they suppply.

I think all manufacturers as well as suppliers are going to have to follow the trend and become more environmentally responsible - or do we think they will just be happy to pay the fines!

greentomato

Yes I'm been having this same dilemma, I've been careful lately over which ones I apply for and I've been trying to make sure I reuse / recycle the envelopes and packaging that the freebies come in (the padded envelopes are particularly handy!).

But I'm still in two minds about it and I think a lot of people do take the micky, just wanting stuff because its free. But until we start being charged money for the amount of household rubbish we produce, nothing is likely to change, unfortunately.

lanyroo

greentomato wrote:

Yes I'm been having this same dilemma, I've been careful lately over which ones I apply for and I've been trying to make sure I reuse / recycle the envelopes and packaging that the freebies come in (the padded envelopes are particularly handy!).

But I'm still in two minds about it and I think a lot of people do take the micky, just wanting stuff because its free. But until we start being charged money for the amount of household rubbish we produce, nothing is likely to change, unfortunately.

When the large BT building near me doesn't leave EVERY light on all weekend and every night. When B&Q does not have ALL the lights switched on that are for sale.
When all the shops in the High Street that leave all the lights on all the time and TV shops have all the TVs on - then I might think about"doing my bit".

But I heard on the radio that Prince Charles flew somewhere to receive a green award - and took over the whole of a plane for his entourage to get there and back.

As usual, it will be the plebs (is that right) who will do there bit and the rest wont bother at all

ants97

lanyroo wrote:

When the large BT building near me doesn't leave EVERY light on all weekend and every night. When B&Q does not have ALL the lights switched on that are for sale.
When all the shops in the High Street that leave all the lights on all the time and TV shops have all the TVs on - then I might think about"doing my bit".

But I heard on the radio that Prince Charles flew somewhere to receive a green award - and took over the whole of a plane for his entourage to get there and back.

As usual, it will be the plebs (is that right) who will do there bit and the rest wont bother at all

do people not realise that shops leave the lights on because they have to be refilled at night. all the people that complain about tesco, b&q etc having their lights on at night would be the first on the vent board moaning that tescos doesn't have any organic tomato soup on the shelves.

if you don't want to have any waste then don't apply for the freebies it is really quite simple.

apoorstudent

I'm sorry, but my need for stuff overrides my conscience every time... Sad but true. It saves me money (especially toiletries), and for the meantime, this is my priority.