An Open Letter to Jeff Bezos Regarding the Amazon to Reuse Boxes Initiative

Dear Mr. Bezos,

Firstly, a heartfelt thank you for Amazon’s rapid response to the pandemic and enabling millions of people to access critical supplies.

But this rapid response has revealed the massive issue of waste surrounding home delivered packages. One only needs to glance at the sidewalk on trash collection day to see the extent of the challenge. The convenience that we love about Amazon is creating an environmental issue.

But you know this and don’t need to be reminded of the challenge. You’re looking for solutions. And I’m offering you one.

Run a pilot Pick Up Program in Marin. You know Marin, the County just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. The program would ask for delivery trucks to collect Amazon boxes and plastic mailers on subsequent deliveries and take them back to Amazon warehouses for reuse. Simple, but effective. Reuse is key.

Ten Marin cities have enthusiastically endorsed the initiative. As has the Marin County Board of Supervisors and Congressman Jared Huffman. The County’s largest businesses. And 10,000 residents - and counting - have signed the Amazon to Reuse Boxes petition.

Why? Because it’s a tree saver, a water conserver, a cost eliminator, a waste reducer, and an efficiency enhancer. It would help Marin County achieve its zero waste goals while enhancing Amazon’s reputation as a community-minded partner. There is no downside.

We all already love the moment when Amazon boxes appear on our doorsteps. With your support, we can feel the same way a second time - when those same boxes disappear from our doorsteps!

We are standing by, eagerly awaiting your response.

Best Regards,

Carolyn Lund, Committee, Amazon to Reuse Boxes Initiative carolynelund@gmail.com

 SF Chronicle, 10/04/20, pg. A18, full-page