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News 2008
- September 16, 2008
- Green Shipping Tips
- Whether you’re shipping a hundred items in an auction event or just a few in-kind donations you sold on eBay Giving Works, these eco-friendly shipping tips are easy on the planet and your budget.
Think outside the box
- Before you go and buy boxes made from recycled materials, re-use boxes you already have that are still in decent condition. If there are any obvious labels or marks that can’t be easily covered, break open the side and bottom seams to turn the box inside out and re-secure with packing tape. It’s a fresh start!
- To further minimize wasteful shipping, use one box for multiple items bought by the same person. Also, try to use the smallest box possible for your needs. This will minimize the amount of filler needed to secure the items.
To cushion or not to cushion
- Look at the item you’re shipping. Is it fragile? Sturdy? Plush? For things like books, stuffed animals, and other items that travel well, consider skipping cushioning inside the envelope or box altogether.
- If you’re shipping linens or clothes with something fragile like ceramic plates, use the cloth items to wrap the breakable ones.
Practical padding
- Old gift wrap, newspaper, and even grocery store circulars can all be crumpled up and used as padding in boxes. Low on paper? Try cornstarch-based biodegradable packing. The recipient can either dissolve them in water or re-use them for their own packing needs.
- Use plain popped popcorn to safely nestle smaller gifts. Your recipient can compost it or feed it to the birds.
Hit the road
- Send your package by ground rather than air since ground shipping is more fuel efficient than air freight.
Eco-friendly & donor-friendly
- Last but not least, thank the buyer for purchasing from your organization. Re-use old stationary or the back of last year’s holiday card to tell them how their purchase will help your cause. And, if there’s any room left, ask them to recycle the shipping materials!
- Sources:
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/green-packing-and-shipping.html
http://greenlivingideas.com/holidays/sustainable-holiday-packing-and-shipping-tips-with-ups.html
