Why is buying in bulk worse for the enivornment?

Question

i read it on a website

it said that it takes more plastic to wrap something in bulk

which i don't understand

if you wrap 10 rolls of toilet paper together rather then wrapping each role individually, you would probaby save more plastic =/

Answer 1

ummm its not. its better for the enviorment. if  you buy two boxes of cereal u use more paper than if you buy in bulk

Answer 2

Depends on what you are buying.  If its food or something that can go bad a huge container meant for a restaurant might go bad before all of it has been used.  

I doubt it takes more packaging, more volume has less surface area.  And costco gives you old boxed instead of bags.

Answer 3

i think not. and i think you're right. but if you don;t want any plastic then get a cloth bag or papaer bag or recycle the plastic container of what you just bought now adays almost eveery plastic can now be recycled

Answer 4

Could you please provide a link to your source?

Most packaging is bigger (more wasteful) than what I use at bulk centers. The bags at these locations are type 2 HDPE and are recyclable. In addition, a few markets will allow me to bring my own containers and zero out the container weight for me, so there's no waste there, but the average consumer isn't as thoughtful, and not all locations utilize type 2 bags.

And as a far as over consuming is concerned, I buy what I need. I don't buy 5 pounds of amaranth, because I'd never use it all.

If the whole lot of bulk is thrown out due to spoilage, that would be wasteful. But I'd hope that's not a major issue with most bulk items.

Answer 5

It completely depends on what you are buying.  If you are talking about TP or other paper products, it only makes sense to buy in bulk.  Not only are you saving packaging, you do not have to drive to the store as often to buy more.  The same is true for all non-perishables.

Grocery items are generally a different thing.  With food, you either have to have a long term storage for it or use it all in a reasonable amount of time.   Dried food generally is purchased in bulk, but anything fresh will spoil fairly quickly.

Whatever site that told you that it was bad for the environment obviously doesn't have any science to back it up.  You cannot believe everything you hear.

Answer 6

I don't believe it is unless it becomes wasteful. ie overbuying because it is less expensive

the suggestion was made to take along your own bottles and jars and containers but sometimes this is not feasable.

Just use as little packing stuff as you can and re-use or re-cycle wherever possible

Answer 7

Buying in bulk promotes overconsumption.

Answer 8

It's not. What is your source?

The environmental costs of making and disposing of packaging material are far greater than the costs of transporting bulk foods.

edit:

Well the easy way of getting around using the provided plastic bags for bulk is bringing in your own glass jars or containers for your foods. But I still find it hard to believe that all of the boxes, with all of their dyes, plastic, and cardboard, and the mechanical processes and energy required to make the packaging could possibly outweigh the env. impact of a small plastic bag. And a lot of times the plastic bags at the bulk sections indicate they have been made from recycled material. I'd be leery of your source.