We can all make an impact with our shopping choices this Christmas. Find out how I’m trying to be a more responsible seller by packaging my prints without using plastic.
Plastic free goals: how I package my prints sustainably
We can all make an impact with our shopping choices this Christmas. Find out how I’m trying to be a more responsible seller by using plastic free and sustainable art print packaging.
Why sustainability is important to me (and the planet)
As an artist, and a hiker, I’m inspired by the beauty of the natural world. It’s my north star; the closest thing I have to a religion. And I know many people feel the same.
I always aim to be mindful of the impact I have on the world. But it’s not always easy. In our throwaway culture, it’s often harder (and more expensive) to make the conscious, environmental choice.
But though that may be the case, it’s still important to me. And I refuse to give up on trying to do the right thing.
That’s why, when I decided to start my art business, I knew that I wanted the packaging to be as sustainable as possible.
Everyone loves finding a bargain. But if something is cheap, ask yourself why. Is that company using fair and ethical practices? Are they paying their staff a fair, living wage? Are they going with the cheapest option (plastic) or considering their impact on the world?”
Our buying choices can have an impact
It can feel like a drop in the bucket sometimes, making a choice – or sometimes a sacrifice – for the planet.
Over the last few years, I’ve been trying to wean myself off plastic whenever I can find an alternative. And it can be disheartening, trying so hard to “do the right thing”, when I go out in the world and see that plastic is very much the default option.
But in a capitalist world, I know that one impact I can make is through my buying choices. And as a seller, through my selling practices.
If I can convince one person to be more mindful of their buying habits, and they in turn can convince one person, then together, eventually, I believe we can form a movement that commands real change.
How I package my prints
When considering how to package my prints, my focus was on choosing materials that would protect my artwork and could also be recycled or composted. Here’s a breakdown of what’s involved when I package up prints to send to you.
Packaging the print
Clear bags
I use Eco clear bags to protect my prints when shipping. They are made from PLA, which is a polyester made from renewable plant biomass – typically made from fermented plant starch like corn or sugarcane.
These bags are commercially compostable, which means they can completely biodegrade when exposed to the heat and other controlled conditions of an industrial composting facility. Unfortunately they’re not currently suitable for home composting.
Composting services can vary depending where you live. In some places, you may be able to simply put these in your green bin with your garden waste. Otherwise, you may need to look for a pick up or drop off service that operates in your local area.
Backing board
To prevent the prints from getting bent while in transit, I place a backing board inside the clear bag. Although the mailers I use are very sturdy, the backing board adds a little extra rigidity.
The backing boards are made from paperboard so they can go in with your cardboard recycling once you’re finished with them (or used as craft supplies!).
Shipping the print
Rigid tab lock mailer
I use extra rigid tab lock mailers to ship my prints. They protect the prints from getting bent or damaged in transit.
They’re made from 100% recycled material and they can go in your curbside recycling. Or they can be kept and reused!
Paper packaging tape
To secure the mailers I use gummed paper packaging tape. It’s activated by water – a little bit like the part you lick on an envelope before you seal it (but don’t worry, I’m not licking your packages).
It’s made from reinforced Kraft paper so it can be recycled with your rigid mailer. Yay!
Sustainable packaging future: looking to the future
As I expand my business and start offering different products (like greeting cards, postcards and canvas prints!), I know my packaging and shipping needs will change. But I commit to taking the time to do the research to make sure my packaging remains as sustainable as possible.
Any tips?
If you have any ideas of how I could improve the sustainability of my packaging or you have some tips for some great earth-friendly products or practices, I’d love to hear from you.
See more of my artwork
Visit my online gallery to see some of my paintings and sketches. Or head to my Etsy shop to see what prints I currently have available.