Eco-friendly refills for almost all the products.

[la_canadiense(01)]

at the moment the jars are actually more environmentally friendly

Now I'll know))

I've been looking around for more environmentally friendly packaging choices.

Great news!))) I vote for SN)))

It is great that you are taking efforts to do your part. It does seem daunting as a single individual to think they will make any difference in the world by one decision, but that is how it all starts. what I love about the EU is that governments are getting really pro-active on environmental issues, and coming up with great ideas (i.e. starting soon - not sure when - only the energy efficient light bulbs will be for sale, the regular ones won't even be sold anymore) and these things make a difference. It all started with individuals making a stand. It is such a shame my home country is so blasé about the environment, preferring to drill for the oil tar sands than come up with more environmental policies. It is embarrassing and disgraceful. I certainly hope that things change soon in that area.
But for the time being, it is up to individuals, like Karen, to take the necessary steps to make a difference. And they will, that is the great thing about it!

[Oryx]

This is a great thread that I completely support, even if the products cost slightly more due to more environmentally friendly packaging. In my second order, I left a note asking whether things had to be packed in a padded envelope. Unfortunately, Susan the packer replied that they only use padded envelopes or cardboard boxes with bubble wrap, and that liquids have to be shipped in a zip bag. I understand that padded envelopes are needed when shipping long distances, but it makes me not want to order as often . I've already got about 6 padded envelopes lying around.

[superwahz]

I understand that padded envelopes are needed when shipping long distances, but it makes me not want to order as often . I've already got about 6 padded envelopes lying around.

I know what you mean. But I think its kind of hard because if things aren't well packaged in bubble envelopes and they get banged around or squished, people may get damaged goods which costs the company money, as well as creates customer frustration. I imagine its a careful balancing act, best to err on the side of caution and hope people are recycling the packaging after the fact.

I was reading today about ways to recycle those bubble envelopes! Some people glue or tape fresh paper over them and mail them again. Others save them up for storing Christmas bulbs, or fragile glasses, or even stuff/stack them into a cushion form to use as a knee cushion for gardening. I save them and packing peanuts for when I send gifts at Christmas, and save the tissue paper for various things like wrapping jewelry when I go on a trip.

[lilychemgirl]

I think that you have to remember also that when you purchase something from a store, it has to be shipped there from the factory. I was shocked when I worked in retail to see how much packaging gets thrown away before the products even hit the shelves, for example in a clothing store every t-shirt etc. is packaged in its own plastic bag, which is thrown away when the clothes are hung on the racks, and then it is re-packaged in tissue and plastic when somebody purchases it. Most stores don't recycle either, so all packaging just goes straight into the tip. There is also the fuel (unless you walk) to get you to the store etc. I don't mind the packaging from SN or other online retailers in comparison, as they are shipped directly from the factory, and really the packaging that SN uses is fairly minimal compared to some other online retailers.

[MyLavenderHeart]

I understand that padded envelopes are needed when shipping long distances, but it makes me not want to order as often . I've already got about 6 padded envelopes lying around.

I reuse every single padded envelope I receive, so I put them to good use. That way I don`t think it is much of a waste actually.

I just take a piece of paper, print out name and adress to whoever I am sending something to, and stick/tape/glue the paper on top of the lable that allready is there and violah, a reused bubble envelope (or bubble`ope as I like to call it...). .

[Oryx]

I'm glad many of you can reuse the bubble wrap envelopes. I'll save mine in case I need to send things to people .

Most of the time I bring my own bag when shopping, but from what lilychemgirl said, it seems that's just a drop in the bucket of waste that results from retail businesses.

[Die Marchen]

I re-use envelopes and other padded packaging. I stash it for several years and when I moved last year - nothing got damaged at all. I keep storing and stashing it for the next move)))
And now I'm sure Karen chooses the best packaging available.