Why You Can Trust CNET Amazon's new boxes can be transformed into cat condos and rocket ships
The company's new "less packaging, more smiles" initiative introduces more-eco-friendly boxes, with directions to reuse them in creative ways.
- I've been covering technology and mobile for 12 years, first as a telecommunications reporter and assistant editor at ZDNet in Australia, then as CNET's West Coast head of breaking news, and now in the Thought Leadership team.
Amazon's ideas include fun for pets.
As Amazon's sales during COVID-19 continue to soar, the tech giant on Thursday introduced a new initiative called "less packaging, more smiles" that reduces the materials used for sending out items and provides instructions for reusing your boxes in fun ways.
Amazon said the initiative is part of its larger goal to be net zero carbon by 2040. It features directions to reuse your box by building a cat condo, a rocket ship, a robot costume, a car, a fort or a windmill for mini golf. You can use the QR code on your box to head to Amazon.com/ThisBox and find out how to put together the creations. The webpage also details how to recycle the different parts of Amazon's packaging in your area.
The online retail giant also says its packaging will use less material and that it'll weigh less and be the proper size for your order.
"Amazon can pack more orders into each delivery, resulting in fewer trips, less fuel burned and ... a reduced carbon footprint -- which is better for the planet," Amazon said.
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Amazon plans to start using the new packaging this week and to broaden its use throughout the summer.