what to do with packaging | no. 14
If you're like me, you order online. When you're a busy mom, it's easier to find exactly what you need by searching for it and ordering right from your phone or laptop instead of lugging the family to a physical store without even knowing if they'll have what you need. Not worth it. The only problem is what to do with all the packing material? You could just throw it away, but what if we got a little more creative (and sustainable) than that!
One. Compost it!
If you are able to purchase from a business that ships with compostable materials (like Huckleberry Bonnets Co. for example), one of the easiest ways to dispose of your packing materials is to compost them. This is very beneficial for healthy compost since you actually need 4 times as many carbon-rich items (paper, cardboard, wood chips, hay) as nitrogen-rich (veggie scraps, fresh grass clippings). Even some film that looks like plastic is compostable! I am in love with these cards and prints by artist Robin Pieterse. Her items ship in compostable film.
Two. Turn Old Packaging into a Craft
If you're on this page, there's a strong likelihood you have kids in your life. One of the best ways to repurpose your packaging materials is to turn them into a craft! From ages 2-4, I used OtherGoose with my daughter for homeschooling and the 10-30 minute activities are perfect for utilizing old materials like packaging and recyclables. Once you're ready to part with the craft, compost and recycle it.
Three. Use it Under Your Garden Beds
Last year, we attempted to grow a garden. That is, until we realized our backyard gets no sun and we’re never home… We did get lots of rich soil down though! I was able to reuse a lot of cardboard by breaking down the boxes and using them as a first layer for where I want each garden bed. On top of this can be straight dirt if you want, or you can do it with natural raised beds consisting of a layer of dead logs/sticks/leaves followed by fresh dirt. The end result is a mounded raised bed with a cardboard weed-resistant layer.
Four. Reuse the Packaging for Your Own Mailing Needs
A great way to take care of packaging is to simply reuse anything you have to mail out a gift to someone. Boxes, bubble mailers, and even resealable plastic mailers are great for use more than once. If you've given all of these options a try, move on to the last option.
Five. Recycle It
Whether you try any of the options above or not, you can always recycle your packaging. Cardboard and paper can be recycled at your local recycling center and plastic film can be recycled at most grocery stores now! If you're tired of receiving packing materials, you can always leave a note in your online order stating you'd like to skip the plastic/paper/other packing materials you feel you can skip for that item. Most companies will be happy to meet that request.
What's a fun way you've reused packaging in the past?
love, makayla