Packaging Standards
I've made it my mission to include eco-friendly packaging and postage solutions across the store.
If it's not biodegradable or compostable, I've ensured its reusable or recyclable!
Here's a run down of the packaging used for both the products and the postage.
PRODUCT PACKAGING
Earth Bags
These are used for the loose herbal teas (shown above) and external-use herbs.
They are made of recycled paper and are lined with a corn-based, 100% natural biofilm, a renewable resource.
They are fully biodegradable or compostable (with removal of tin tie).
Tip: Repurpose these bags for any dried food storage.
Canisters
These sturdy, brown canisters can be reused, repurposed or recycled.
If they come with a liner/inside bag, this is biodegradable.
Glass
The herbal tinctures and herbal oils are always dispensed in glass amber bottles.
Glass is considered to be inert, which means it won’t break down or seep chemicals into the products.
Whilst the amber tint protects the contents from UV light (photooxidation) preserving the active ingredients.
Aluminium tins
The herbal balm range is packaged in small aluminium tins.
Aluminium is considered one of the most environmentally friendly metals on the planet, and has even been called a 'green metal'. This is due to its high formability and low environmental impact.
It's the most cost-effective material to recycle, because of the huge energy savings - up to 95%.
It's recycled infinitely to make exactly the same product, which is why it’s considered one of the most valuable items in your recycling bin and ultimately the most recyclable industrial material.
Recyclable plastics
Where plastic is used the most recyclable form has been chosen.
These include #1 PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and #2 HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene).
These are the mostly commonly recyclable forms.
POSTAGE PACKAGING
Post bags/satchels: Wherever possible I use the compostable bags (shown above) from Better Packaging Co.
Fillings: Products are packed with eco-friendly, Australian made 100% biodegradable cord starch puffs/peanuts. These are made from plant based starches and they are compostable, water soluble or reusable. (Warning: dogs find these appetising too!)
Otherwise, recycled shredded paper or tissue paper may be used.
Mailing boxes: These are made from sturdy cardboard so are reusable and/or recyclable.
Bubble wrap: Used sparingly, but this is essential for posting glass items. It's often only sealed at one point so it can be reused.
Postage labels:
Address labels on the front of the parcel are also biodegradable/compostable. Simply peel off to reuse mailing box/bag and dispose of.
Packing tape:
Used to seal mailing boxes. It's made from 90% renewable resources. The film is derived from plants and the stickiness is made from natural rubber. It's also biodegradable and compostable!
What if I don't have a home compost system, how long with they take to degrade?
This will depend on the conditions they’re placed in. In a standard home compost, the compostable post satchels have been certified to biodegrade within 180 days (approx 6 months).
Under commercial composting conditions, it would happen much faster.
As litter (e.g under a tree) or within regular landfill rubbish it still happens, yet is much slower.
The Australian Standard is one of the most rigorous in the world and includes a worm toxicity test which means that the comPOST Packs are safe to be eaten by them!
Why should I consider setting up a home compost?
Did you know, approximately half of what households send to landfill is compostable material?!
10% is from the garden and whopping 40% is from the kitchen.
There are a number of ways to compost depending on your situation, there’s a great guide here.
If you’re in Australia you might be able to save up to 80% on compost bins and worm farms with your local council!