Consumer Utter - Debbie Meyer's Green Bags

Now that I'm uttering all my thoughts, I've started the Consumer Utter section of my blog which shares my experiences about merchandise and services I've tried as a consumer. Kind of like Consumer Reports, but no crash tests!

My first Consumer Utter is about Debbie Meyer's Green Bags. I buy veggies and fruits with the good intention of serving my family healthy food. But it never fails that some are not eaten and thrown away. So, I ordered Debbie Meyer's Green Bags. If you don't know what these are, these plastic bags - yes, they're green - are suppose to prolong the life of your produce. According to their website, the green bags absorb the ethelyne gas that is released by the food, which prevents the gas from staying in the fruit, and thus helping your food stay fresher longer.

It worked on some foods but not all. I found that my apples and bananas stayed fresh longer, but not strawberries or lettuce. I basically felt that it worked 50% of the time. So, for me, it was kind of a bust. Since it wasn't a lot of money (20 bags for $10), it wasn't a waste. But since it didn't work for key produce like lettuce, I wouldn't buy them again.

Product: Debbie Meyer's Green Bags
Rating: A bust.

To Utter

The dictionary says "utter" means to to give audible expression to; speak or pronounce; to give forth (cries, notes, etc.) with the voice; to express (oneself or itself), esp. in words.

My public utter blog started out as a way to give a voice on things that I had a "strong opinion" about. But I am now expanding it to open expression of all my thoughts...so watch out! Watch out for interesting commentary, compelling narratives and funny jokes.

Here I go....

Utterly Shameful

I'm disgusted by what happened to my brother-in-law. Don't know if it was called laid off or early retirement. I call it utterly shameful.

My brother-in-law, who has been married to my sister for 35 years started with this company when they got married. That's right...he's been with the same company for 35 years! And after 35 faithful years, they decided to let him go. To be fair, I understand that companies are hurting in this economy and must make difficult decisions - like letting people go - to stay in operation. What is shameful is how they treated him before they let him go and the measly severance pay they gave him.

First they sent him to an out-of-country office to train the people who would ultimately replace him. Then they transferred him to a department that he knew nothing about (and they knew that) and expected him to learn it all. Most insulting was the mere 6-month severance pay they gave him.

I don't think it was necessary to belittle him like that. The right thing to do would have been to let him know what's going on and negotiate an early retirement package. And the LEAST amount of severance pay should have been one year...remember, he gave 35 years.

My brother-in-law is in his 50s and has had only one job all his life. I don't know if there are many options out there for him. To be given only 6 months pay under the circumstances is wrong, just wrong.

Shame on you APL. Shame on you!