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Tony Ellison

Guide to Smart, Environmentally Friendly Packaging Ideas

Packaging Constitutes As Much As One-Third Of The Non-Industrial Waste Stream

By Tony Ellison, CEO & President, Shoplet.com

Did you know that packaging constitutes as much as one-third of the non-industrial waste stream, which is why 28 countries have laws designed to minimize that waste? Unfortunately, the U.S. is not among them, according to www.idealbite.com.To ship your holidays gifts the smart way, consider these tips that will help reduce what ends up in our landfills:

Action Steps
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Shred Your Paper

Paper shreds can be used for other things instead of just throwing them away.
I recommend: Using a paper shredder, use them to fill packages you send in the mail. It doesn’t cost anything, it can be recycled and it’s an environmentally safer product than Styrofoam.

Reuse & Recycle

Reuse & Recycle items if you can. Many items can be reused or recycled before you throw them away.
I recommend: Saving cash by reusing. Boxes can cost a few bucks each. Avoid buying new ones by reusing the ones sent to you.  If you don’t have old boxes to reuse, insist on mailing boxes that use 10% to 30% recycled paper.  Recycled plastic bubble wrap can be used to cushion the contents of your package. 
Reuse plastic shopping bags or shredded newspaper and pack it around breakables.  Try gummed paper tape made from recycled Kraft paper. 

Cornstarch Packing Peanuts

They are made from corn starch and dissolve in water leaving no toxic waste. Organic fill is static free, economical, fast and easy to use. Place them outside and they will either disappear when the birds take them to make their nests or they will melt in the next rainstorm.
I recommend: Use cornstarch packing peanuts.

Holiday Packing

Dry pine cones and air-popped popcorn. They're virtually free, festive and can be fed to the birds or put in the back yard after use.
I recommend: Use dry pine cones and air-popped popcorn for your holiday packing materials.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • Visit Earth911.com to find a recycling center near you. Simply enter the name of the item you want to recycle and your zip code to find a recycling center nearby that will accept your packaging materials, such as packing peanuts. Most UPS Stores will gladly accept packing peanuts as well if you find your home or office is being consumed by them.

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