‘Wastemaker’ Prize Given Alleged Poor Packagers

Saying that Christmas has become nothing more than garbage-giving, several environmental groups this week issued “Wastemaker” awards to nine manufacturers for over-packaging their products.

Among the items cited as contributing to the nation’s garbage crisis were Calvin Klein “Obsession” gift sets, Nintendo Trophy Figure with Scorecard and Matchbox Super Color Changers.

“Of the 180 million tons of garbage generated every year, one-third of that is packaging,” said Julie Duncan, spokeswoman for the California Public Interest Research Group.

A coalition of environmental organizations issued the quarterly awards in Los Angeles, San Diego, Washington and a dozen other cities.

The other six products named were Sears Christmas ornaments, Saranac football gloves, Smooshees Smugglers, “Holiday Enchantment” cassette tape set, Drakkar Noir cosmetics gift set and Carlton Cards wrap and trim ensemble.