When the world had nothing in it, it was probably easier to come up with inventions (and I say probably because I know zilch about inventing anything). But in the 21st century, since all our essentials already exist, it must be hard for people to conjure something new.
However, that doesn’t stop people from trying, even though the end result can be good or bad. For example, the air-bag for mobiles is pretty unique and useful. And then there’s the Valentine’s Day gift from Poundland which is on a whole another level of trash, literally.
According to BBC, British retail store Poundland wanted to do something smart for Valentine’s Day and came up with ‘The Gift of Nothing’. If you’re wondering what the gift, well, it’s nothing.
Oh really?!! @Poundland
🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️#pointlessplastic #plasticfree @aplastic_planet @JuliaBradbury @ChrisGPackham @SkyOceanRescue @zerowastehour @sascampaigns pic.twitter.com/01GvY9vqzs— EKO (@EKOearth_) January 20, 2019
It says that it’s “exactly what you asked for” and is priced at £1 (around Rs. 100).
However, this “fun” gift has gotten a severe amount of flak from environmentalists. Julian Kirby, Friends of the Earth’s lead campaigner on plastics said,
“Let’s hope folly like this goes unloved and doesn’t reappear.”
Sian Sutherland of A Plastic Planet said that,
“This product is designed to go straight into the bin, but will last for 500 years. It is a symbol of everything that is wrong with our view of the world.”
Many netizens berated Poundland for coming with a gift that will only add to the increasing amount of pollution in the world.
https://twitter.com/rachaelareid/status/1087071718898831360
OMG just pointless plastic polluting packaging for literally NOTHING 😭
— Julia Bradbury (@JuliaBradbury) January 20, 2019
. @Poundland – WHAT ARE YOU DOING?????? pic.twitter.com/DgxxcY0L8a
— Ade M. My mask protects you. Please protect me (@AMCS2010) January 21, 2019
They don't have a heart – quite literally! ☹️ How do these ridiculous products even get through product development?
— Ella Daish (@ella_daish) January 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/myrightboote/status/1087638733099290624
A bad joke that will last 500 years. Shame on you @poundland https://t.co/wx3SrhwwW2
— Gareth James ⧖ (@mrgarethjames) January 21, 2019
A few, however, thought it was a good joke and laughed at it.
To all the ladies out there please don't tell your other halfs you want nothing for Valentine's Day cos courtesy of Poundland this might just be what you get 😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/H7023lPW2M
— Kim Patterson (@KimxPx) January 16, 2019
The 2019 award for 'trying your luck' goes to @Poundland, for its 'nothing' Valentine's present that still costs a quid! 😂 pic.twitter.com/kFKsWmFzRT
— Lotty Earns (@lottyburns) January 16, 2019
However, according to Sky News, Poundland has come out in defence of ‘The Gift of Nothing’ saying that,
“Our customers love it, as do loads of others online. They all know it’s a bit of fun and we understand that’s still allowed in moderation.”
That said, they haven’t exactly specified if the product will be recycled or not.
It’s true that as time goes by, technically every kind of company is trying to come up with something new to cash in on the various kinds of occasions that are being celebrated around the globe. However, there’s a limit after which one’s “creativity” turns into a shooting session in the dark. And Poundland looks to have reached that edge.
But what are your thoughts on it? Is it a gift you’d want to give someone on V-day or is it better if the current stock of this item is sent for recycling?