Free?
 

Does anyone else feel guilty receiving trail sized samples in oversized packaging? I like free stuff as much as the next person but are we hurting the environment as a result. Think about all the plastic, paper and oil used just to transport a sample of gold bond or packet of coffee. While I understand items like the sleeping bag given away by marlboro, I think we should all think about limiting the amount of free offers we sign up for.

I'd agree with you, except for the fact that the free samples aren't limitless. Companies make a certain quantity of free samples and will ship them out until they're gone... they generally won't make extras and they won't not ship unclaimed ones, since they'll just wait until they're claimed. Therefore, every free sample made will end up going out regardless of whether we FTers request them or not.

Now, if we could get companies to stop giving out free samples, or get the majority of requesters (nationwide) to stop requesting them, that would be useful. Otherwise, the number of free samples manufactured and shipped will remain unchanged regardless.

(For the record, I am an avid anti-waste proponent.)

For those who have them, Costco is a good place for an FT'er to get their "free" fix, without the waste, when sampling the many "goodies" they sell...

Costco buys in bulk, and we buy at Costco in bulk, thus reducing waste... A win- win...

But the occasional sample received in the mail is nice as well...