Comments on: Dangerous Clamshell Packaging!

By: Kathlene

Kathlene — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 02:26:31 +0000

I’ve always felt we have too much government yet the issue of dangerous packaging is one I think there needs to be more involvement. I understand why manufactures overpackage & make it nearly impossible to open, but really, is theft that much worse now than 30 years ago? I doubt it. One big concern I’ve always had are the elderly who live alone. All this silly,often dangerous packaging of all kinds of items presents some serious obstacles, including safety issues. There are so many foods that can’t be opened without having a pair of scissors handy, bottle caps/lids that can’t be removed, packages of food the elderly can’t tear - even on the so called “tear line” without the packaging contents flying across the floor. Many seniors have enough deficits, they have limited energy, and often times will go without eating unless someone is there to fix the food for them, as they simply can’t get the packaging open. I know this as I work with the elderly, showing them ways they can continue to live independantly, in their own homes, and I’ve seen the results of too much packaging. It’s ridiculous - even for those of us with good dexterity. Maybe if there were enough lawsuits by people who have been injured on this garbage trying to open it, manufacturers will take notice & change their ways.

By: Hollys Gmom

Hollys Gmom — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:41:47 +0000

Sick;
No one was saying they should totally give up on “clam-shell” packaging, just that it was going to be nice to HAVE an option. I don’t know what you’re so angry about? Can you really compare saving a childs life with carseats and safety belts with “clam-shell” packaging minor injuries, who by the way, aree not always so minor. Seems like a pretty big stretch. So you love clam-shell, great! Thanks for you opinion.

By: Sick of the insanity

Sick of the insanity — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:14:58 +0000

I can’t believe how stupid people are. Unless you are elderly or handicap you should be able to open any of these packages with a knife, scissors etc. And I’m sorry but 6,000 ER visits a year is not that many. One thing I know for sure is that there are at least 6,000 people dumb enough to end up in the ER because they can’t figure out how to operate a knife or pair of scissors. And what about the term “paper cut”? We all cut oursleves with a piece a paper from time to time and no one seems to be complaining about that. I think if people realized why stuff was packaged in clamshells (Theft, you can see what you’re buying etc.) they wouldn’t make such stupid remarks. It’s people like this who continue to ban and outlaw any choice that they themselves can’t handle. I cite seat belt, helmet and carseat laws as the tip of the iceberg. What’s next I wonder? We won’t be able to drive a car because people have car accidents? Give me a break. Everyone please stop whining. You’re all a bunch of half wit Sallys.

By: Holly's Gmom

Holly's Gmom — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:38:33 +0000

I want to say thank you for bringing more attention to this dreaded problem. Many is the time my husband has complained about or tried to find a new inventive way to open these “packages”. As you mention in your article, they are unforgiving in thier structure thus causing injuries. There have been times when we have refused to buy an item due to it’s “clam-shell” packaging. We both have worked years in retail and have many customers refuse to buy merchandise in those types of packagings. Do you think the manufacturers are aware of that? I’m glad that there will be alternatives. I know, it might seem like a trivial issue, but for many it’s really not. Imagine Grandma, with her arthritis, on her Birthday or Christmas morn trying to open one of these packages. Suddenly the item slips sideways and rips across her thin, fragile skin thus sending her and several loved ones on a trip to the ER. Not fun! Then the item in the clam-shell is no longer even wanted!