Exposed: The shocking environmental damage caused by deliveries – what they don't want you to know!

In our quest to be more environmentally conscious, we've become adept at dodging the obvious eco-offenders. We shun single-use plastics, tote our reusable shopping bags, and sip our lattes from keep cups. Yet, despite our best efforts, some culprits of environmental harm manage to fly under the radar, and it's time we shed light on these hidden hazards.

One such unsuspecting villain is the seemingly innocuous fridge magnet. Yes, those colorful little tokens that adorn our refrigerators, holding up everything from junior's latest art masterpiece to that all-important reminder to pay the gas bill. They're a staple in many Australian homes, but their impact on the environment is far from trivial.


The issue with these magnets isn't their presence on our fridges, but what happens when they're no longer wanted. The reality is that many of these magnets, often distributed en masse through letterbox drops, end up as nothing more than landfill fodder. It's a form of environmental vandalism that's been slipping through the cracks, and it's high time we addressed it.


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A petition to ban fridge magnets in letterboxes, citing environmental concerns, has been presented to federal parliament. Credit: Shutterstock


A recent petition presented to federal parliament is calling for a ban on the mass distribution of fridge magnets, labeling the practice as an 'unnecessary burden' on our already fragile environment. The petition highlights a stark truth: these magnets are typically made from non-renewable rare-earth metals, the extraction of which wreaks havoc on natural ecosystems.


The environmental advocacy group Planet Ark is championing the cause, urging people to find creative ways to repurpose unwanted magnets. Art projects and makeshift paper clip holders are just a couple of suggestions. Reuse centers like Reverse Garbage are also stepping up, welcoming donations of these discarded items.

But perhaps the most potent weapon in our arsenal is consumer choice. Planet Ark suggests that the most effective way to stem the tide of unwanted magnets is to directly inform the businesses distributing them that their marketing strategy is backfiring. Instead of attracting customers, they're driving them away with their environmentally unfriendly practices.

The frustration is palpable among residents, with some expressing their disdain on community social media platforms. One Sydney local lamented the direct journey these magnets take from mailbox to bin, vowing never to patronize the businesses behind them. Another echoed the sentiment, urging others to contact the companies and voice their concerns about the environmental impact.


It's clear that the time has come for us to detach from our attachment to fridge magnets. The environmental cost is simply too high, and with so many alternatives available, there's no excuse for perpetuating this harmful practice.

So, dear readers, let's take a stand. Let's inform businesses that we prefer our planet over their promotional magnets. Let's get creative with the magnets we already have, and let's dispose of them responsibly when the time comes. Together, we can make a difference.
Key Takeaways

  • A petition to ban the distribution of fridge magnets via letterboxes in Australia has been presented to federal parliament due to environmental concerns.
  • Fridge magnets are criticised for being made from non-renewable rare-earth metals and largely ending up in landfill, causing harm to natural ecosystems.
  • Planet Ark and other organisations suggest repurposing unwanted fridge magnets for artwork or other uses to combat wasteful disposal.
  • Community members are reportedly boycotting businesses that send out fridge magnets, viewing them as a wasteful and environmentally damaging practice.
Have you been inundated with unwanted fridge magnets? What are your thoughts on this environmental issue? Share your stories and ideas in the comments below, and let's continue the conversation about how we can all contribute to a healthier, greener Australia.
 
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Promotional fridge magnets are a nightmare. We recently received a second magnet from the same company within about a three month period. The first one was useful the second one had details on how to boil an egg to the hardness you liked the yolk. But the worst is magnetic calendars we receive en-masse in December. About 5 go straight in the bin. They should be banned
 
Promotional fridge magnets are a nightmare. We recently received a second magnet from the same company within about a three month period. The first one was useful the second one had details on how to boil an egg to the hardness you liked the yolk. But the worst is magnetic calendars we receive en-masse in December. About 5 go straight in the bin. They should be banned
YES! 👍🏻
 
Can I just say , where I live we get inundated with fridge magnets from Real Estates, Cancer Council and Politicans..They come in handy as they always have a calendar on them..There is always a survey( at a enormous cost to the tax payer) or complaint made by some twit..
 
I'm sorry to say that we are just as guilty as many others. We don't have them on the fridge, but on the filing cabinet.

In years gone by, how many others, as kids, used to put iron filings on a piece of white paper with a magnet underneath and moved it around everywhere for the formations it created? A bit of yesteryears fun.
 

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