174) Snap Crackle Stop

A couple days ago, FritoLay announced that it will discontinue its biodegradable chip bags on all Sun Chips flavors except for Original. This came after a chorus of consumer complaints over the loudness of the bags.



The crinkly, crackling, compostable bag has been compared to a "revving motorcycle" or "glass breaking," according to the Wall Street Journal. And who can ignore the oft-mentioned Facebook group, SORRY BUT I CAN'T HEAR YOU OVER THIS SUN CHIPS BAG that currently boasts 49,173 disgruntled snackers.

Yes, the eco-friendly bags make more noise than the ones that clog up landfills. And just think of all those suffering. From the Facebook group, as quoted in the WSJ - it's "the worst when your stoned at 2am and trying to not wake up the house," one person said. Likewise, the dieter who sneaks a handful of chips doesn't want a 95 decibel crackling salute. And movie theaters? Forget about it.

While I'm all for being receptive of consumer feedback, it's a shame that it had to come at the price of eco progress. The biodegradable bags were the first of its kind, a revolution in the mass packaging field.

We demand change, but we don't want it at the expense of our comfort or resources. Separating out the recyclables takes more time, organic food costs more, fluorescent lighting is harsher, and compostable bags are louder. While the green consumer movement hums along, it seems we're not yet at the point where we think the environment deserves a little sacrifice on our end. Someday, will it get so dire that we'll be able to suck it up and handle a louder chip bag?