T-Mobile reducing packaging materials

Anyone who’s bought a prepaid phone at Target, Wal-Mart, or any other retailer knows that the phone comes wrapped in armor. It’s that thick, impossible to tear plastic that encases many electronics these days. This might make it tougher for shoplifters to remove the item from its case and get out without setting off an alarm, but it’s a royal pain to consumers. Plus, it uses tons of plastic, which as we know isn’t the best thing for thee environment. T-Mobile is looking to change this. They’ve begun using a new packaging material which reduces materials by 45 percent. Best of all, the material is recyclable.

As the following video shows, getting the package open is fairly easy. No, you can’t tear it (that would defeat security purposes), but you can easily take scissors to the flat surface and cut it enough that opening is easy. Or, as the video shows, relatively easy. Hey, at least you won’t be cutting your hands trying to get it open.

The cardboard is 100 percent recyclable, but apparently there are programs that will not take the plastic. Why, I have no idea. Apparently some programs require it be in bottle form, but in the three places I’ve lived since college I’ve been able to recycle all sorts of plastics. I’m guessing most people won’t have trouble throwing this in with comingled recycling.

Kudos to T-Mobile for picking up on this new technology. Hopefully all other prepaid carriers pick up on this. Our uncut hands will thank you.

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