About Squeaky Wheel Activism

Why do products have so much unnecessary packaging? Why aren't more products packed in recyclable materials? Why do we need to replace an entire product when all we need is a power cord? There is so much that could be done to reduce, reuse and recycle the stream of waste products, and yet the bad habits persist.



And then there's the "so-called" customer service. Any one who has battled their way through auto-attendant Hades only to speak to someone whose accent is unintelligible knows what I'm talking about.



I often hear that manufacturers and retailers are only giving us what we want.



But what if we want something different?



My premise... we have to tell them. Each and every time.

When we're unhappy... AND when we're like something they're doing right.



I've decided to make it my personal mission to let companies know about things I'd like them to change, as well as things I think they're doing right. I hope you'll find inspiration from my efforts and join me in this endeavor. If you do, let me know... I'll be happy to post your letter.



Friday, January 14, 2011

Phillips Lighting Company - CFL Light Bulbs in 100% Recyclable Packaging

I sent this letter via e-mail through the Phillips website.  It took a bit of looking to find the right "contact us".  The website on their packaging is their investor relations department.  With just a little on-line searching, I was able to find the right group to contact.

To whom it may concern:

When available, Philips light bulbs are my bulb of choice, as I've found them to last longer than those of another major manufacturer who shall remain nameless.  I recently added a lamp to my living space and was looking for a 3-way bulb that topped out at 100 Watts (or equivalent) as that's the maximum the lamp can handle.  I was disappointed that I was unable to find a CFL with that configuration, but I decided I could live without the 3-way functionality and settled for a simple 100/23 Watt CFL.

I am writing to let you know that I was pleasantly surprised when I realized that the entire packaging for this energy-saving bulb is recyclable.  Our area only recycles #1 and #2 plastics, but your bulb was packaged in PET/#1.  I realized after the fact that there's a small statement on the back indicating that the package is 100% recyclable, but it's so small that it went unnoticed when I was deciding which bulb to buy.

Thank you for making the effort to create an environmentally-friendly packaging.  I will do my best to let others know about your progressive attitude towards the planet we live on.  And rest assured that I will properly dispose of the product at the end of its life cycle. 

Now... if you could only develop the 3-way bulb I'm looking for???

Cordially yours,

Linda S Jones
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