Many readers wrote in to comment on and add to our list of greener shipping tips.
Melissa Papajohn uses the fabric and batting scraps left over from her longarm quilting as padding when she ships.
Katina Hronos has several suggestions, such as cushioning items to be shipped with: poly bags from the grocery store; dry cleaning bags; Styrofoam inserts from other boxes; and old egg-crate mattresses that are no longer good for bedding.
"I've even used old towels to package items and the person at the other end has "new" rags to use while making their own art," says Katina.
Sarah Ann Smith offered this idea that's worked for her: Purchase giant-sized, zipper-top plastic bags and write your name, address, telephone, and e-mail on the label area with a permanent marker. Ship your quilt inside this bag with a note asking for your items to be returned in the same bag.
"You can re-use from now until infinity...they don't seem to ever break down, tear, or wear out!" she says.
Another reader recommends filling smaller zipper bags with air to cushion your art. They're lightweight and reusable.
A few readers wanted to amend our list:
- A couple of our Australian readers noted that packages containing pea straw cannot be shipped in and out of their country easily because the customs department must check out anything that is considered organic material.
- Some readers disagreed with the use of edible popcorn as packaging material. Of course, you would not want to put it next to your fiber art without protection. Small items can be cushioned with popcorn if you put it in plastic re-sealable (and reusable) bags first.
- As to Styrofoam peanuts/popcorn, a few readers rallied to their defense, noting that you can return clean, used plastic filling to many packaging stores. You can also go online to the Plastic Loose Fill Council website and search for a recycling location near you.
Thanks to all who wrote!
