When you ship something, don’t use petroleum-based bubble wrap or, even worse, foam peanuts. Both materials end up in the landfills after they’re discarded.
Bubble wrap takes hundreds of years to break down, and foam peanuts never completely break down. Fortunately, you have a few earth-freindly options. Instead of throwing away old sheets of paper, shred them and use them as packing material.
Crumple the daily newspaper and give it new life as packing material before it reaches the recycle bin. Some people even use bags of leaves as a cushioning-the leaves can be composted after the package arrives. And don’t overlook biodegradable packing peanuts made of cornstarch, which are available at most office-supply stores.
If you’re moving, don’t waste money on bubble wrap and foam peanuts. Use old newspaper, clothes, towels, and bed sheets to cushion all your belongings. 
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6 Comments Received
July 21st, 2009 @12:43 pm
Great ideas for reducing packaging!
July 25th, 2009 @7:35 am
I agree completely about using newspaper for packing material – I’ve done this frequently and it works perfectly. I also feel strongly that paper bags should replace the ubiquitous plastic bag wherever possible.
July 25th, 2009 @4:17 pm
I have always been a fan of using newspapers, paper bags, old Christmas wrap and such for packing things. I became quite adept at using on-hand materials during the decade that I spent in the Army.
I do have one caveat, however; if you decide to use crumpled up pieces of paper that you may have on hand, make sure there is no personal data written on it.
Back in 1980 while stationed in Seoul, South Korea, I had an interesting “event” take place with regard to reusing paper. At that time, the US Army sold scrap paper to the Koreans to be reused. One day, my roommate and I stopped by a vendor in the ‘ville and bought some chigogi to take back to the barracks and eat (chigogi is a type of fish that is quick fried on a charcoal cooker-think of fish jerky).
Our food was wrapped in scrap paper that they had purchased from Uncle Sam. When we unwrapped our food, my roommate discovered that his food was wrapped in a copy of the orders that assigned him to Korea!
So, be resourceful but also be careful what you pack with.
Eric Samples´s last blog ..Tough Course
July 28th, 2009 @4:35 pm
Great tips. I’ve always thought those foam peanuts were a dumb idea right from the start. Hopefully enough thoughtful people like yourself plant enough intelligent ideas to get manufacturers thinking about alternatives to meet “our demand”
August 15th, 2009 @8:39 pm
i personally agree this about using newspaper for packaging… plastic bag is really injurious for the health …. paper bag is the Good idea
August 24th, 2009 @5:47 pm
Here packaging is in the form of peanuts bnut it is evidently edible cereal so breaks down and gets eaten. I have seen mice eating them. this is in Australia btw.
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