‘Green’ reader questions newspaper plastic wrapping

Grumpy Editor today spotlights plastic used with newspapers.

No, not the credit card type, but rather the plastic wrapping carriers use to assure deliveries get to subscribers in top shape.

Seems some folks in the “green” movement are concerned about surrounding delivered newspapers with plastic --- even on sunny days.

The Hartford (Conn.) Courant cites a reader who queries, “There are many things that your company could do that would make a positive difference to the Earth…Please stop wrapping your newspaper in plastic bags.”

At first glance, it sounds like the suggestion has merit.  But when a subscriber wants daily deliveries of newspapers to arrive in excellent condition, wrappings are warranted.  They not only provide protection from unexpected showers, but they also curb wetness from dew, lawn sprinklers and perhaps neighbors’ dogs.

Even under clear skies, plastic protection keeps newspapers intact, and wards off bugs (including ever-busy ants), dust and damage from wind and drive-overs from vehicles making turns in driveways.

Karen Hunter, The Courant’s reader representative, notes Brian McEnery, manager of operations and circulation, points out a carrier’s contract specifies papers need to be delivered in a dry and readable condition.  So the best way is putting them in wrappers.

Plastic does have dual use.  Hunter mentions bags, made from recycled materials, “can be reused for many purposes, ranging from ice bags to receptacles for pet waste.”

Courant readers who are not concerned by various elements that can affect unblemished deliveries can call the newspaper’s customer care department and request copies not be put in plastic bags, adds McEnery.

But as a result of this instruction, he cautions, papers may arrive wet on some days.

A soggy newspaper will bring another complaint --- plus a request for re-delivery, resulting in more gasoline burned in getting a dry, wrapped version to the driveway.