Sustainability Series - Packaging

I recently ran into a friend from elementary school and while reminiscing she asked me if I remembered walking around the playground at recess and picking up trash. My husband started laughing immediately while saying something along the lines of how nothing has changed. 

I love knowing that I have always tried to minimize my impact and this mentality has carried over into my business. Over the next little while, I will be writing a series highlighting all of the things I do within my business and studio to keep things sustainable and eco-friendly. 

For the first post I want to talk all things packaging, what I'm using now and what I plan to move onto in the future. I will let you in on a bit of knowledge, packaging is NOT cheap. And eco-friendly packaging is even more expensive. So as my business grows, I will be able to implement more and more ways to take care of mama earth. 

I will also be discussing the places I love to support and purchase from in case it might be useful to you! Let's dive in!!

Shippin Boxes:

I ship all of your orders in cardboard boxes that are perfect for re-using in so many ways. Use it to ship something, I like to do this one myself. It seems silly to let a brand new box go to waste. But if it's a little more beat up then you can also re-use the cardboard in the garden. Just be sure to remove all pieces of tape and labels. If nothing else, you are always able to recycle cardboard.

I originally purchased my boxes from a company that I recently found out does not align with my values as a business and a human being. I do plan on switching to either Westpack or Eco-Enclose to get my shipping boxes from in the future, and so I cannot speak to the quality personally. However, these are companies that many jewelers I know and follow use and love. Which is one reason why I'm switching.

Jewelry Boxes: 

Right now I use kraft jewelry boxes, but only for some of my pieces that are a little bit higher priced. My plan in the future is to ship all pieces in a jewelry box that has been made in a sustainable way. Westpack has so many options available in eco friendly material. I was insanely excited when I came across them. 

Earring & Necklace Cards:

For the time being, I am making all of my earring and necklace cards myself. I use a nice, thick paper that has flower seeds embedded in it, which you can plant afterwards, so nothing goes to waste.

Cotton Muslin Bags:

Many of my pieces are shipped inside a muslin bag that helps protect the piece and give you something to store it in when not wearing. You can also use it to store the complimentary polishing cloth and jewelry care card each order comes with. 

Tape & Shipping Labels:

Did you know that traditional tape is not recyclable? I opted to go for water activated tape when it comes to shipping. It's a little more in cost, but totally worth the peace of mind it gives me that it can go in the recycling bin. I got my tape from Eco-Enclose. It's plastic free and a huge plus is how strong that tape is. I love it. 

I also got the zero waste release liner shipping labels from Eco-Enclose because the sticker liner is able to go in the recycling bin. They have many other options for shipping labels as well, this is just the one that I loved.

Package Filler:

To cushion your purchase, I like to use kraft crinkle cut package filler, so that you can either reuse it, or throw it into the compost. 

So there you have it, everything you can expect in terms of packaging whenever you order from Zaffera Studios. I hope this gives you peace of mind knowing that when you order from me you won't get an oversized box filled with plastic. 

And if you know of other places that have great eco-friendly packaging options, please share. I am always looking for more options.

xo,

Erica