#Packaging Suppliers China

[leyeahpackaging]

Luxury Packaging Suppliers in China

Leyeah Eco Packaging is the one and only Luxury Packaging Supplier in China. We design and offer very good-looking and eye-catching gift boxes like packaging or luxury packaging at affordable prices. Luxury Packaging is one of the trending packaging styles nowadays because it increases your sells day by day. According to a study, luxury packaging is 43% of liking packaging design compared to other. For more details call us at +86-13631604091

[hsiteplasticpackage]

Cracking the Code of Irresistible Fruit Tray Packaging: Tips and Trends

　　When it comes to fruit tray packaging manufacturers, the goal is to create an irresistible display that will have everyone reaching for a taste. From elegant parties to casual gatherings, a well-presented fruit tray can add a burst of color and freshness to any table. In order to crack the code of irresistible fruit tray packaging, it's important to consider a few key factors – presentation, variety, and creativity.

　　First and foremost, presentation is what catches the eye. The arrangement of the fruit plays a pivotal role in making the tray enticing. Start by selecting a variety of fruits in different colors, shapes, and sizes. Think about the season and try to incorporate fruits that are in peak freshness. Berries, melons, grapes, and citrus fruits are all popular choices that add vibrancy and visual appeal to any fruit tray.

　　Next, consider the variety of fruits included in the display. Mixing up the types of fruits not only adds visual interest but also caters to different tastes and preferences. For example, offering a combination of sweet and tart fruits like strawberries and pineapple, or juicy and refreshing fruits like watermelon and kiwi, ensures that there's something for everyone.

　　Another crucial aspect of fruit tray packaging is creativity. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and experiment with different shapes and designs. Cookie cutters can be used to create fun shapes out of melons or pineapples. Mixing in sliced fruit skewers or fruit kabobs can also add a playful touch. Additionally, consider adding a variety of dips or sauces on the side for guests to enjoy with their fruit. Yogurt, honey, or melted chocolate are all popular options that can elevate the experience and make the fruit more enticing.

　　Additionally, staying up-to-date with current trends can take your fruit tray packaging to the next level. One popular trend is the "charcuterie-style" fruit tray, which incorporates a mix of both fruits and savory items like cheese and nuts. This creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures, appealing to a wider range of tastes. Another trend is the use of edible flowers to add an extra touch of beauty and elegance to the tray. Edible flowers like pansies, marigolds, and lavender can be used to garnish the fruit and create a visually stunning display.

　　Finally, don't forget about the tray itself. The vessel that holds the fruit can also contribute to the overall presentation. Consider using a decorative platter, a rustic wooden board, or even a tiered display to add height and interest. Adding decorative garnishes like fresh mint leaves, lemon slices, or edible glitter can also enhance the overall aesthetic.

　　In conclusion, fruit tray packaging is a visually stunning and irresistibly delicious fruit tray that is all about presentation, variety, and creativity. By carefully arranging a colorful selection of fruits, incorporating different types and flavors, and staying current with trends, you can create a fruit tray that will be the highlight of any gathering. So, don't be afraid to let your creativity shine and experiment with different techniques – your guests will surely be impressed!

[enjoy-comfort-life]

dgscprinting.com

[rockyp77mk3]

Price controls would help the middle class why do you on your side oppose them. Is there a reason other than it came form Democrats?

Price controls are a very bad idea. It doesn't matter if it comes from a Republican like Nixon or a Democrat like Harris. Price controls violate the law of supply and demand and are based on the idea that every supplier is gouging. Some do gouge, most do not and that is crucial.

If you look at the data most suppliers are making a very narrow profit. Their costs are up due to runaway inflation which was initiated by Biden's short sighted move to artificially shrink the energy supply, primarily petroleum based energy. Transportation, fertilizer, packaging, and processing costs have gone through the roof. This cost is naturally passed to the consumers or else the suppliers would soon be out of business.

It doesn't matter where price controls have been established. Nixon's America, Socialist Nicaragua, Cuba, East Germany, the Soviet Union. Mao's China or Xi's China the results are all the same. They will result in shortages, businesses going under, burgeoning black markets, civil unrest, unemployment, and in the end failure. Prices will not go down and products will be absent from the shelves.

[zvaigzdelasas]

President Joe Biden’s administration has approved a military transfer to Taiwan under the Foreign Military Financing, or FMF, program normally used for sovereign states, according to a notification sent to Congress. The notification, which was seen by Reuters on Wednesday, informs congressional committees of the State Department’s intention to obligate up to $80 million in FMF funds in support of Taiwan.[...]

Representative Michael McCaul, Republican chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, said he was glad the administration was “finally” providing FMF to Taiwan.[...]

FMF, the largest military assistance account managed by the State Department, provides primarily grant assistance to foreign governments for the purchase of U.S. defense equipment and military training under the Foreign Military Sales program.[...]

The United States, Taiwan’s [largest] arms supplier, last month announced a Taiwan weapons aid package worth up to $345 million. Last week, the United States also approved a possible $500 million sale to Taiwan of infrared search and track systems for F-16 fighter jets, as well as other equipment.

31 Aug 23

[heckyeahponyscans]

hi! do you know if there's a way to tell if a pony has an actual factory error or if someone just switched up the head of two different ponies? I was thinking about buying a repro pony that has skydancer's body and butterscotch's head. the seller says it's a fabric error but I'm unsure. they say they work with factory suppliers and errors happen from time to time. the pony does look new and although it comes with no box it's possible to see in the picture that it has a seal in its hair.

I happen to know about this kind of Basic Fun Frankenpony and even have several, including Butter-dancer! I got mine off Taobao but they're probably being sold elsewhere too.

I wouldn't call them factory errors. IMO what happened is the excess of previous BF lines were sold to a wholesaler (which I believe is legal in China); they put together as many "proper" ponies as they could (like Butterscotch head + Butterscotch body), and after that they started putting random heads/bodies together based on color.

The only time mismatched head ponies have been sold in retail would be in the UK at the very end of G1 (where, similarly, they were trying to get rid of whatever old pieces were lying around--but those actually did make it into shops! in baggie-style packaging) or in some of the wackier international lines, like South African ponies.

^ "Princess Woosie" has lavender Woosie's bbody and Princess Sparkle's head, she was one of the UK Frankenponies.

Anyway, the long and short of this is the Basic Fun Frankenponies are fun curios but not factory errors.

[jcmarchi]

US launches $1.6B bid to outpace Asia in packaging tech

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/us-launches-1-6b-bid-to-outpace-asia-in-packaging-tech/

US launches $1.6B bid to outpace Asia in packaging tech

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The US is betting big on the future of semiconductor technology, launching a $1.6 billion competition to revolutionise chip packaging and challenge Asia’s longstanding dominance in the field. On July 9, 2024, the US Department of Commerce unveiled its ambitious plan to turbocharge domestic advanced packaging capabilities, a critical yet often overlooked aspect of semiconductor manufacturing. 

This move, part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s CHIPS for America program, comes as the US seeks to revitalise its semiconductor industry and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. Advanced packaging, a crucial step in semiconductor production, has long been dominated by Asian countries like Taiwan and South Korea. By investing heavily in this area, the US aims to reshape the global semiconductor landscape and position itself at the forefront of next-generation chip technology, marking a significant shift in the industry’s balance of power.

US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasised the importance of this move, stating, “President Biden was clear that we need to build a vibrant domestic semiconductor ecosystem here in the US, and advanced packaging is a huge part of that. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to investing in America, the US will have multiple advanced packaging options across the country and push the envelope in new packaging technologies.”

The competition will focus on five key R&D areas: equipment and process integration, power delivery and thermal management, connector technology, chiplets ecosystem, and co-design/electronic design automation. The Department of Commerce anticipates making several awards of approximately $150 million each in federal funding per research area, leveraging additional investments from industry and academia.

This strategic investment comes at a crucial time, as emerging AI applications are pushing the boundaries of current technologies. Advanced packaging allows for improvements in system performance, reduced physical footprint, lower power consumption, and decreased costs – all critical factors in maintaining technological leadership.

The Biden-Harris Administration’s push to revitalise American semiconductor manufacturing comes as the global chip shortage has highlighted the risks of overreliance on foreign suppliers. Asia, particularly Taiwan, currently dominates the advanced packaging market. According to a 2021 report by the Semiconductor Industry Association, the US accounts for only 3% of global packaging, testing, and assembly capacity, while Taiwan holds a 54% share, followed by China at 16%.

Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Director Laurie E. Locascio outlined an ambitious vision for the program: “Within a decade, through R&D funded by CHIPS for America, we will create a domestic packaging industry where advanced node chips manufactured in the US and abroad can be packaged within the States and where innovative designs and architectures are enabled through leading-edge packaging capabilities.”

The announcement builds on previous efforts by the CHIPS for America program. In February 2024, the program released its first funding opportunity for the National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program (NAPMP), focusing on advanced packaging substrates and substrate materials. That initiative garnered significant interest, with over 100 concept papers submitted from 28 states. On May 22, 2024, eight teams were selected to submit complete applications for funding of up to $100 million each over five years.

According to Laurie, the goal is to create multiple high-volume packaging facilities by the decade’s end and reduce reliance on Asian supply lines that pose a security risk that the US “just can’t accept.” In short, the government is prioritising ensuring America’s leadership in all elements of semiconductor manufacturing, “of which advanced packaging is one of the most exciting and critical areas,” White House spokeswoman Robyn Patterson said.

The latest competition is expected to attract significant interest from the US semiconductor ecosystem and shift that balance. It promises substantial federal funding and the opportunity to shape the future of American chip manufacturing. As the global demand for advanced semiconductors continues to grow, driven by AI, 5G, and other emerging technologies, the stakes for technological leadership have never been higher.

As the US embarks on this ambitious endeavour, the world will see if this $1.6 billion bet can challenge Asia’s stronghold on advanced chip packaging and restore America’s position at the forefront of semiconductor innovation.

(Photo by Braden Collum)

See also: Global semiconductor shortage: How the US plans to close the talent gap

Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.

Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

Tags: ai, AI semiconductor, artificial intelligence, chips act, law, legal, Legislation, Politics, semiconductor, usa

[tetrachromate]

maybe it's just because I need to get stupidly expensive and specific materials but I DONT get that Fast Fashion Has Come For Craft post. You can find nice wool fabric and yarn in a variety of weights and weaves without too much digging, I have like four silk suppliers I swear by, etc. Obviously you can't find very good things beyond basic haberdashery at spotlight (joanns for any American readers) but you shouldn't be looking there in the first place. You'll probably end up shopping overseas a fair bit, but honestly that adds to the fun. I love receiving packages with stamps and invoices from Hungary and Poland and China, and working with craftspeople in places that don't typically feature much in my daily life to get things woven up or felted or cast to order. Anyway I think the sentiment I started this off by being annoyed by is very uninterested and lazy and parochial.

[tristayanyan]

Overview of OEM Production of Hygiene Pants in China

In recent years, China has emerged as a significant player in the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) production of hygiene pants, catering to both domestic and international markets. Hygiene pants, also known as sanitary pants or menstrual pants, offer a comfortable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional pads and tampons. OEM manufacturing in China has capitalized on the growing global demand for these products due to their convenience and sustainability.

Manufacturing Process：

The process of manufacturing hygiene pants begins with the sourcing of materials. Chinese manufacturers often procure high-quality fabrics, absorbent layers, and elastic materials from both domestic and international suppliers. These materials are carefully selected to meet the specifications provided by the brand or company outsourcing the manufacturing.

Once materials are sourced, the production process typically involves several stages:

1. Design and Prototyping: OEM manufacturers work closely with clients to develop designs that align with their brand image and functional requirements. Prototyping allows for adjustments and improvements before mass production.

2. Cutting and Sewing: Automated cutting machines are used to precisely cut fabric pieces according to the approved design. Skilled workers then sew these pieces together, ensuring each product meets quality standards.

3. Absorbency Layer Integration: Hygiene pants require an absorbent layer that effectively manages menstrual flow or urine. OEM manufacturers incorporate these layers into the design, ensuring optimal performance and comfort.

4. Quality Control: Throughout the manufacturing process, stringent quality control measures are implemented to identify and rectify any defects. This includes visual inspections, leak testing, and absorbency tests to guarantee product reliability.

5. Packaging and Shipping: Once manufactured and quality-checked, hygiene pants are packaged according to client specifications. OEM manufacturers often provide flexible packaging options tailored to different market needs. Efficient logistics ensure timely delivery to distribution centers or directly to consumers.

[leyeahpackaging]

Shenzhen Leyeah Packaging Design Co., Ltd - LEYEAH ECO Packaging

LEYEAH ECO Packaging is one of the leading packaging solution providers in China. We design and manufacture the best packaging design and try to grow your business. Our designed packaging services give your product an extraordinary look. We always take a look at market trends on the behalf of trending packaging. Here are so many types of packaging designs available like  Retail Packaging, Corrugated Packaging, Shelf Ready Packaging, etc. For more details call us at +86 13631604091.

[bowepackcom]

As a custom flexible packaging manufacturer since [insert year], we have been committed to providing innovative packaging solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients across various industries. With [insert number] years of experience in the industry, we have established ourselves as a trusted partner known for our expertise, quality, and reliability.Our comprehensive range of customizable packaging solutions includes pouches, bags, films, and more, designed to preserve the freshness, integrity, and shelf appeal of a wide array of products. Whether it's food and beverage packaging, pharmaceuticals, pet food, or industrial applications, we have the capabilities to deliver packaging solutions that meet the highest standards of quality and performance.

[china-supplier]

🎁🏭 Elevate Your Packaging Game with Dongguan Pinchuang Automation Equipment Co., Ltd! 🏭🎁

🌟 Founded in 2015, we are a leading supplier of automated box-making machinery based in Dongguan City, China.

✨ Our state-of-the-art factory spans 5000 square meters and boasts a dedicated team of over 50 skilled employees.

🔍 With a focus on research, development, and innovation, we've emerged as a key player in the rigid box machinery industry.

🎀 Specializing in rigid box making and case making machines, our products cater to a wide range of packaging needs, from shoe boxes to chocolate boxes, and everything in between!

🌍 We're proud to be certified by Europe CE and EAC, ensuring top-notch quality and compliance with international standards.

🌟 Our machines have made their mark across the globe, from Europe to South Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

🎉 Elevate your packaging process and join the ranks of satisfied customers worldwide with Dongguan Pinchuang Automation Equipment Co., Ltd! 🎉

o learn more about our products and services, please visit our official website: https://www.pcboxmachinery.com. We look forward to collaborating with you! 🌟🏭

[sirenjose]

2 Theories involving Jose's 2nd Letter

Theory #1: Villhelm Lamb targeted Sam?

Jose in his 2nd letter comments about seeing a “signature” belonging to “a person by the name of ‘Bourbon’” which he saw “on my father’s ledger of goods once before”.

This should be the same “shipment of goods” to be put as “collateral and [given] to the [Villhelm Lamb] for safekeeping” referenced in Wu Chang’s 4th letter. On the “list of goods”, it says 2 things are circled: “an antique umbrella from China” aka Wu Chang’s umbrella, and “a signature that reads ‘Bourbon’”.

The “Bourbon” signature is likely to belong to Sam.

Does this mean Villhelm wanted Sam as collateral (along with the umbrella)?

Villhelm may also be interested in Sam’s “masterpiece” (as the manor owner refers to it in Demi’s 3rd letter) aka dovlin and/or the drugs him or the manor owner are developing. We know he was using Alice as an experiment and subjected her to “prolonged medication and physical therapy”. He was likely the “kind individual” from Orpheus’ letter who “put together an excellent treatment package designed exclusively for Alice”, the same letter that Orpheus wrote “LIAR!” in red on, with the person described as “clearly furious”. Orpheus likely hated Villhelm for taking Alice. There’s also a chance Villhelm is the individual the manor owner refers to when he says at the end of Demi’s 3rd letter “[Demi] is an outstanding pawn in experiments, but I’m not the only player. But perhaps I’m the better one. After all, I found my answer in the end, and he may never find out… The problem we seek to solve has never been the same”.

Another thought, but if Villhelm is also performing experiments, and may be interested in the drugs Sam and/or the manor owner are developing, is it possible he could be behind Joaquin’s and the crew’s hallucinations in Jose’s 1st letter that lead to their deaths? Sam may have been involved with Joaquin in case Jose’s father was supplying Sam and the owner with Delphi for their experiments (or whatever “things” Sam extracted “9 samples” from back in Demi’s 1st letter). Villhelm may have gotten involved then maybe purposefully caused their deaths (potentially making it seem like an accident, or like he had no involvement at least) so he could keep the collateral, which could’ve included the stuff Joaquin was supplying Sam and/or the owner with, or if the only collateral Villhelm took was the umbrella and potentially Sam, maybe his goal was Sam or whatever he knew?

What if Villhelm is the “traitor” Sam and/or Demi references in Demi’s 1st and 2nd letters that “stole” 1 of the samples that “met your expectations”? In which case, Joaquin may be the supplier of the things “they brought back from the Mediterranean Sea” and thus might’ve been working with Sam and/or the owner for some time? Or at least more than once? Maybe Villhelm “stole it” during/as part of the mission when Joaquin and his crew perish?

Maybe rather than take Sam he took 1 of his “samples”?

What if Villhelm is also somehow behind Sam’s disappearance?

Sam should be at the manor considering Jose says the “handwritten note” in the lobby is the same handwriting as the person who signed “Bourbon” on his father’s list of goods. He is also likely the 2nd set of handwriting referenced in Wu Chang’s 3rd letter. So there’s a good chance Villhelm never took him, especially as it sounds like Sam was still working at the manor on dovlin for some time after Joaquin died. I just can’t help thinking/wondering anyways.

Theory #2: Sam wrote the note stating 1 person must drink the poison

The handwriting is the same as a “handwritten note” that “appeared in the lobby some days ago”.

What if the “handwritten note” was the 1 that stated 1 of them had to drink the “poison”?

Vera’s and Patricia’s 2nd letters, which take place on the 1st night, do not mention the poison. Only Kevin’s 2nd letter does, which is stated to be the 3rd night.

Jose’s 2nd letter says the note appeared “some days ago” and we know from Vera’s 3rd letter there were at least 5 nights total before the game started. Jose’s 2nd letter seems to be right before the game starts, in which case there would be “some days” between the 3rd and 5th nights.

The note that 1 of the participants has to drink poison is the only “note” we know so far that the manor owner would’ve written to that group, so there’s a good chance that’s the note Jose was referring to.

In this case, as Jose says the handwriting of that note matched that of the person who signed “Bourbon” on his father’s list of goods, that means Sam may have been the 1 to write the note that stated 1 of them had to drink “poison”.

This “poison”, if the note was written by Sam could have actually been Sam’s “masterpiece” aka the dovlin he had been trying to perfect for Demi. If so, that would explain why Kevin didn’t die after drinking “poison”.

It would also relate to Kevin from the summer event, in the endings involving Demi if he drinks too much Sea Salt Mocktail, where either he knows the secret to her drink and helps Demi manage the bar or he doesn’t know the secret and stays with her to keep drinking more Sea Salt Mocktail (as he’s now become addicted).

Maybe Kevin was Sam’s experimental subject to test if he’d perfected his drink before he sends his recipe to Demi. This could fit considering Kevin’s and Jose’s game (game 5) is almost right before Demi’s game (game 6b)

[tipssupports]

INTRODUCTION

My name is Marco Rodriguez actually I’m the Owner of a Company that Import from China footwear or Comfortable lady shoes that distribute in Guatemala. I’m also like a Sells Manager, with more the twenty-five years of knowledge of the business for this product, I consider myself a person who can suggest how to import merchandise from China.

I love the sales area, and I know that is the best way to grow the Company business.

Import of China, isn’t complicate: Just you need to pay attention to know it works.

This is the reason why I created a guide to help you avoid financial risk of people.

Remember, the Chinese Business are honorable people, and is very important they feel good, but you have to ask to make sure.

You know, You can ask for Supplier that put a logo on your packaging box and product, as well as make changes to a product you like until you get it just the way you like.

This is a little guide, but increase it on what you follow knowing the process.

Below you will find this guide, I hope it will be the star of your own business.

1 GUARANTEE TRADE BY ALIBABA

It’s the secure payment method that Alibaba offers you as an intermediary. It consists of paying your chosen supplier, even up to the moment the product arrives on time and in the quality requested.

ALIBABA will refund your money as long as the supplier doesn’t comply with the conditions you require.  make sure that the quotation that the supplier gave you specifies the product, colors, price, sizes, quality of materials, special specifications such as markings on the product as well as on the packing box, shipping cost charge, etc. that you make sure that your supplier uses the Trade Assurance program.

2 DO NOT BUY TRADEMARKS

Don’t ask your supplier to manufacture products with already registered trademarks if you don’t have the legal representation to trade them.  Your supplier will manufacture them, but you will have a huge economic problem when the authorities don’t allow the merchandise to enter your country.

3. GOLD SUPPLIER STATUS

Register on ALIBABA with your email and password and log in to Verified Supplier, look for Gold Supplier Specifications in Basic Profile, where it’s Business License and Ownership Status; Contact Information, Company/Factory Location.  The Gold Suppliers that they pay an annual membership fee to ALIBABA. They are showing seriousness and the risk that they are scammers is diminished.

4. CHECK HOW LONG HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH ALIBABA

Check the number of years the supplier has been working with ALIBABA, the more years, lower will be the risk.

5. MAKE SURE THAT COMPANIES HAVE ASSESSED SUPPLIER (EVALUATED SUPPLIER)

Check that production capacity, certifications, etc., is a much broader verification of the supplier, so it’s important to work with Gold Suppliers that at least have a more rigorous verification.

6. SUPPLIER'S PARTICIPATION IN TRADE SHOWS

In the Supplier's Company profile, you can check which international fairs or events the supplier has participated.  In this section photos of the events are included. This gives us much more peace of mind.

7. SUPPLIER'S TRANSACTION LEVEL

This is measured based on icons that are placed in the form of diamonds.  The more diamonds they have, the more confidence they must do business with the supplier.

When you log into your supplier's portal (on ALIBABA) you can also review the transaction history by year and by country or region.

8. THE SAMPLE

It’s very important that Supplier sends you a physical sample so that you can see if it meets your requirements and, that a sample is also sent to your purchasing agent in China, so that he can inspect if it meets your requirements.

9. PAYMENT REQUEST FROM THE SUPPLIER

This requirement is made through ALIBABA portal. If it is a supplier with whom you haven’t had a business relationship, do not deposit without the intervention of ALIBABA because this is your best guarantee.  In this payment request, the supplier must include a file with all the specifications of the product, which you have already reviewed and agreed to when you received the physical sample.  If the supplier doesn’t include these specifications, don’t make the payment. It’s also very important that the negotiation is done with FOB price, which determines that the supplier is obliged to send the goods already packed to the port. If you negotiate with CIF value you must coordinate the reception of your merchandise in the warehouses of your supplier and take it to the port, which will generate a cost to you.

10. PAYMENT ADVANCE

The payments are generally divided into 30% first (indicated in the previous paragraph) and 70% when the product is ready to be shipped.

Way to do it: through ALIBABA (I recommend you do it by bank transfer) do not do it by credit card because the cost is very high. When you make the payment advance, tell your supplier that you will send an inspection agent to review the production process of your order and review the final process, this is done before making the second payment.

11. IMPORTANT DOCUMENTATION

The Supplier must send you by email the following documents:

COMMERCIAL INVOICE

PACKING LIST

CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN

12. RECEIVE THE PRODUCT: To ensure the smooth nationalization of your product, it is important to hire the services of a customs broker. You should also establish the payment of taxes and the percentage of fees to be paid to the broker. It is recommended to inspect the product thoroughly upon arrival. If any issues are found, document them with photos and promptly contact your purchasing agent to communicate with the supplier, or contact the supplier directly

[yay-luxury-shop]

Hi dear all🌹😊

We're factory supplier, We only sell the best quality. Every details same.

👜🎁 same material & same packaging too

[pompadourpink]

bonjour mom this might be a stupid question but i'm super interested in environmental protection and i'm trying to go vegan and buy less and all that jazz but everything is super expensive if it's local or it's okay but they have to fly it here etc and i understand your idea of only getting quality stuff but like i don't know yet what i like so i don't want to splurge (not that i could anyway) and i want to avoid amazon but it's super practical and at least it's for sure not a scam and i WILL get my package etc, and sometimes i do like a bit of dairy or i'll have birthday cake but i feel super guilty about it and i'm getting super anxious, do you have any advice??

Hello dear (and oh boy, this is going to be another wall of text),

I've been there. I went vegetarian with the hopes of becoming vegan back in 2012, went super minimalist, started to buy way less, switched to bulk and organic, got a menstrual cup, felt like I had to donate money I didn't have because others needed it more than me and felt awful every time I binned something thinking I actually didn't need that thing and that was a selfish decision, and it was so hard to see other people around me not caring about these things. It was eating me alive and making me bitter and sadder than a bag of rocks. It's a real thing called eco-anxiety and it's well-documented at this point so you can look it up.

In my case, researching capitalism and going to therapy were the key. Because little old me being vegan not only wasn't sustainable because I had personal issues with food and ADHD and it made it worse, but at the end of the day it's not going to be enough to annihilate centuries of specism and make the industry change its mind; just like little old me feeling guilty about buying ice cream because I was going to have to throw away the pot is the most insignificant thing in the world when you look at what Nestlé or cruise boats are doing to the planet.

Whatever you do, you will have to sacrifice something and it will never be enough - you've already noticed it. Change comes gradually, when people come together and stand against what's wrong, which has been harder to do these days where we routinely lose family members and friends to Facebook radicalisation. My advice is to do what I've been doing, after years of trial and error: putting myself first, staying realistic about my goals, practising empathy, remembering to be a role model rather than a preacher, and giving myself time before I make a decision.

I like you prefer to boycott Amazon but between shipping fees, delivery time, dodgy neighbours, prices, fear of scammers (...), I used it occasionally to get stuff whenever it felt like the best solution. But then, at the beginning of the pandemic, I bought face masks online from a French pharmacy, which cost quite a lot but I was trying to do the good thing. Three weeks later I received a white piece of plastic that looked like every package from Wish videos on Youtube from somewhere in China that contained the masks with a little note in broken English stating that those were only for fashion and couldn't be worn for medical reasons.

I did some research and realised that they bought the items for pennies on Aliexpress and got the suppliers to directly send me my order - it's a very scammy and common concept called drop shipping. If you're looking for anything brandless on Amazon (from sunglasses to hairbrushes to decoration and gym equipment), check out Aliexpress and your cart will go from 132,99 to 17 bucks in under five minutes. So after years of judging people who use Aliexpress or Wish, I started doing the same, because what I receive is the exact same thing, but there's no mediocre business tycoon wannabee making a profit on my behalf in between.

And ever since, I've rethought my beliefs. I no longer feel bad about wanting children even though every human being creates a lot of waste in a world where Kylie Jenner takes a private jet to avoid a 40-minute drive. I no longer feel bad about occasionally flying to go on vacation because I have only one shot at living and once in a while I deserve a break. I no longer feel bad about doing my nails even though I will have to buy and dispose of cotton buds because I'm tired of neglecting my happiness to avoid worsening problems I haven't even caused.

I still do what I can. I'm still conscious of what I do, don't waste water, buy all my clothes secondhand, donate money whenever I can and all that, but I'm at peace. I try and that's what matters in a world where succeeding is not an option.

Love,

Mum