I grew up in the Northeast Victoria, with a mother who planted prolific vegetable gardens and large orchard. Mum was adamant about composting and recycling when it was going out of fashion in the 1970’s and ‘80’s. I remember feeling that I was the only kid at school who brought home grown food for lunch and being teased for not being ‘normal’ and getting my food from a supermarket like the other kids.

Now I’m coming full circle and putting in my own veggie patches and fruit trees, composting, recycling paper and cardboard, and trying to make better choices regarding our planet. I don’t always get it right. There are times when I don’t have a choice about the packaging products are sent to me in. However, When I find more environmentally friendly ways to operate, I try and implement them.

The biggest source of waste for my business is the packaging many products are delivered in. Consequently, I try to reuse boxes, cardboard, tissue paper and bubble wrap when fulfilling online orders that I post out to my customers.

When I use new packaging for online order fulfilment, I:

• Use Hero Labels that are 100% compostable and a thermal printer that uses zero ink or toner.
• Use Hero Packaging's Honeycomb Hex Wrap that is 100% renewable. After use, it goes straight back into recycling or into your compost bin.
• Use Better Packaging Co Mailing Satchels. The home compostable, corn-starch poly mailers are biodegradable, strong & waterproof and partly made from plants.
  

 Additionally:

• My product swing tags are made from card weight recycled paper.
• My cushion inserts are 100% recycled PET.

In 2023, I will send a letter to suppliers that have fulfilled orders using plastic and/or Styrofoam in their packaging addressing the following issues:

• Are their packaging materials made from recyclable paper or compostable plastic?
• Do they have plans to stop using single use plastic in the next 3-5 years?
• Do they have a recycling policy?
• Do they have an environmental sustainability policy?
• Are their packing labels recyclable or compostable?
• Is their packing tape recyclable or compostable?
• Do they have a plan to stop using Styrofoam in their packaging? If yes, is the replacement product environmentally friendly and/or sustainable?
• Do they have a carbon off-set program?

The purpose of this letter is to encourage suppliers to reconsider the use of non-recyclable or compostable materials in their product packaging.

The climate crisis we are living through is daunting. It is hard to imagine what impact one person can have on a global problem. But if we all make small changes, we have the power to change our habits. When habits change, economies eventually change too. The micro dictates the macro.