Greener Packaging

Donated By: Wendy
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Those peanuts, always during the holidays you encounter too many of them somewhere. And those peanuts are made from polystyrene, which is a nonbiodegradable petroleum. Here are some ideas for greener holiday packaging:

• Try reusable natural starch-based foam peanuts (such as Staples Biodegradable Packing Peanuts, $43 for a seven cubic foot bag, these are water soluble so they can be dissolved in water and composed).
• Consider The Container Store’s embossed Padding Paper, which is recycled and recycable ($15 for 30 sheets).
• Reuse the foam peanuts or the air filled plastic “pillows” that you receive in packages sent to you.
• If you find yourself with too many peanuts, call the Plastic Loose Fill Council’s Peanut Hotline (800-828-2214) to find businesses to take them off your hands.