That box your order arrived in? It probably had a life before it reached you.

From the beginning I have thought about packaging a lot, it's one of those things that's easy to overlook, but the amount of it really adds up. So here are some things I do in my businesses to help reduce it. 

I reuse boxes wherever I can

The boxes I receive from my printers get reused for your orders. And if I spot a good stack on the street - moving boxes, delivery boxes, anything sturdy, they are coming home with me. This approach sometimes means I have enough boxes to build a box fort in my house but for me it means good boxes get a second life instead of going straight to recycling.

No bubble wrap

Instead of bubble wrap I use a paper alternative. It does the same job without the plastic. And where I can, I reuse packaging that comes from my own suppliers too and sometimes this is plastic but I'd rather it have a second life than go straight in the bin.

The small details matter

Boxes are sealed with paper tape. Tea towels are wrapped with biodegradable stickers. Art prints come in a biodegradable sleeve. And all my branded packaging is printed on FSC certified paper, here in Britain.

None of this is perfect. But I believe it is better to make these small decisions in the hope that they start to add up.

What about you?

Next time your order arrives can you find a way to reuse the box or packaging? I'd love to know how. Come and tell me over on Instagram.