Pack it up!

Goods and materials are shipped all over the world every day. These items are packed and delivered using many different types of containers and packing materials. Some are better for our environment than others.

When boxes are shipped there is space that is created, this is know as a “void”. This void must be filled in to protect the material being shipped. Polystyrene, better known by the brand name “Styrofoam” is the cheapest and usually easiest material to use as a void fill. As cost and convenience are very important, styrene has its disadvantages as well.

Styrenes do not break down over the centuries like other plastics. The methods that create styrene inflate the base materials thereby expanding it 900%. The finished product is 10% plastic and 90% air.

Until recently this material was not even recyclable. But recent technological improvements have made it possible, but at 90% air, it is not financially feasible to ship the material to market. So the material ends up in our landfill taking up valuable space.

Alternatives to Styrofoam abound. Air packs and bubble wrap can be reused or recycled easily with shopping bags. Shredded paper is readily available for free in many locations and can be reused or recycled for free as well. And soft goods like clothing should be delivered in shipping bags as bags take up less room on the truck, take less energy to make, are lighter, and do not require void-fills, thus demonstrating a more environmentally preferable alternative.

Until a local enterprise invests the $100,000 needed to recycle Styrofoam locally, it is a waste product. Instead, purchase materials like paper and plastic that can be recycled locally. Styrene shipping peanuts should NEVER be thrown away. Instead, reuse them or take them to a shipping outfit like the UPS Store, Goin’ Postal, or the Associated Buyer’s Postal Annex for them to reuse. They accept shipping peanuts for free drop off.

Together we can all Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle to “Trash Douglas County Less!”