just use lesser recyclable plastic. yes its bad for environment but if the cable lasts for years(we have 10+yr old cables.. micro usb cables die in the connector not the cable material fraying) instead of on avg 2.5yrs.. the problem becomes a lesser issue as cables won't be tossed and they can even sell as a separate item as cables won't be needed much like usb-a 0.5-1A chargers