How Packaging and Product Design can Support Sustainability:
Have you seen the viral April Fool’s Amazon prank? While hilarious, it’s also quite alarming. I’ll be honest, one of my first reactions was “wow … that’s a lot of wasted cardboard.” So it got me thinking—what are the environmental implications of our packaging and shipping? With a little research, you can see that every choice—from 2-day shipping to the physical space a container takes up—has an impact on our environment.
As the new year (and decade) approaches, I’m thinking about the ways in which my business can make a difference going forward. Choosing sustainable materials is at the top of my list. As a business owner, that means opting for soy-based inks versus petroleum, using 100% recycled paper, responsibly recycling electronics, choosing sustainable packaging, and being mindful of our overall purchases.
This year, I’ve collaborated on branded products and packaging. In doing this, I’ve learned that shipping containers and packaging produce a large amount of waste each year—especially over the holidays. One way to ensure you are reducing waste is by using a sustainably-minded company that produces ethical, environmentally-conscious materials to create your custom packaging.
One company that stands out to me—both in quality and consciousness—is Noissue. Maybe you’re already familiar with them and you’re nodding your head in agreement with me. Or maybe you’ve never heard of them, and (spoiler alert) I’m about to let you in on a little secret … they are amazing!
Noissue provides customizable and sustainable packaging options—allowing your brand to shine through while being mindful of the environment. They use soy-based inks, acid-free paper, and are FSC certified. They also created a program—Eco Packaging Alliance—which contributes to global reforestation by planting trees worldwide. Finally, they produce 100% compostable mailers! This means you can stick with your “no plastic” commitment while reducing the space that your shipping containers take up.
Like myself, you may be wondering if that means you need a compost in your yard. Then I remembered my grandmother storing food waste in the freezer, inside of an old milk carton. Once the milk carton was full she would dump it outside in her garden, cover it with soil, and then repeat the process all over again. There are a number of ways you can get rid of your compostable waste. For a few of my favorite resources see below.
Getting Started with Composting:
1. Simple Composting Methods: This article shares ways in which you can get started in your garden—much like my grandmother did. It also goes over the other ways that you can set up an actual compost—both indoor and outdoor.
2. What to do with your compost materials if you don’t garden: This article shares amazing ideas on what to do with your compost materials if you don’t have a space for them in your own backyard. Not listed in this article but also a great idea—check with your local township to see if they have a compost site.
3. Starting a compost at home: This article goes over the ways in which you can get started both small and large—indoor or outdoor. There are options for everyone.
I’m passionate about sustainability and my own environmental impact. Naturally, I was really excited to discover Noissue and to learn more about composting. I hope you can take this information and use it to make small changes that could have a huge impact in 2020—and beyond.
If you are interested in creating sustainable packaging for your business, then let’s chat! I’d love to brainstorm ideas with you.
