Get started freePackaging Waste Is 36% of All Landfill Waste — Here's How to Cut Yours
The EPA estimates that packaging accounts for 36% of municipal solid waste. Whether you're shipping products for a business or packing for a move, sustainable alternatives now cost the same — or less — than traditional materials.
Sustainable Packing Materials Compared
| Material | Cost | Eco Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recycled cardboard | Same as regular | Good | Boxes, shipping |
| Mushroom packaging | 10-20% more | Excellent (compostable) | Fragile items |
| Recycled paper fill | Same as bubble wrap | Good | Void fill, cushioning |
| Cornstarch peanuts | 10% more | Excellent (dissolves in water) | Small items |
| Reusable containers | Higher upfront, $0 ongoing | Best | Regular shipments, moving |
| Newspaper/old fabric | $0 | Best (reuse) | Moving, personal shipping |
For E-commerce Sellers: Right-Sizing Saves 20-30%
The #1 eco mistake in shipping: oversized boxes filled with void material. Right-sizing your packaging (matching box to product) reduces material use by 20-30% AND shipping costs (carriers charge by dimensional weight).
| Strategy | Material Savings | Cost Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Right-sized boxes (3-4 sizes) | 20-30% | 15-25% shipping |
| Paper tape instead of plastic | 100% recyclable | Same cost |
| Remove unnecessary inserts | 10-15% | $0.10-0.50/package |
Pro tip for movers: get free boxes from liquor stores (sturdy, uniform size), wrap fragile items in towels and clothes you're already moving, and use suitcases as boxes. Zero waste, zero cost.
