The Art of Sustainable Packaging
I’ve always been a recycler, conscious of fast fashion and the inundation of plastic packaging. Recently, I watched the documentary Buy Now on Netflix. This eye-opening film dives into the environmental and ethical consequences of overconsumption, focusing on how mass production and e-commerce giants like Amazon contribute to the overwhelming waste problem. It reveals the shocking reality of where most discarded products and packaging end up—often in developing countries or as illegal dumpsites within our own borders.
The film also sheds light on how companies profit without addressing the environmental toll, leaving others to deal with the aftermath. It highlighted some shocking truths about how we consume and dispose of products. Here in Oakland and many other cities, people dump their garbage on the streets. This visible trash is often blamed on the city’s residents, but the issue runs much deeper. The way we consume and dispose of products directly affects urban areas. Many cities, including Oakland, lack the resources to manage the sheer volume of waste produced, and with inadequate disposal systems, the trash ends up in illegal dumps or on the streets. What’s worse, much of the waste we generate in the U.S. is shipped overseas or buried in landfills, creating an illusion of cleanliness in wealthier neighborhoods while contributing to pollution in less visible places. In reality, the trash isn’t gone—it’s just hidden from view, perpetuating a cycle of environmental harm and neglect.
This documentary deepened my commitment to doing my part for the environment, and Ink & Treasure is too. That’s why we stay true to our roots of turning the unwanted and old into treasures. For us, it’s not just about creating journals and of vintage and unwanted items—it’s about embracing sustainability at every step, including our packaging.
How We Do It:
Reusing Amazon Packaging: We turn bubble envelopes inside out for a second life, giving them a new purpose rather than sending them to the landfill.
Cereal Liners: These sturdy plastic liners are perfect for wrapping or cushioning delicate items. Instead of tossing them, we incorporate them into our shipping process.
Cereal Boxes: We repurpose these into rigid mailers for shipping, transforming something disposable into something functional.
Thrifted or Unwanted Supplies: From tape to envelopes, we actively seek out secondhand materials to reduce waste and keep useful items in circulation.
You may see some of these things if you receive a package from us. I use as much recycled, unwanted, and discarded material as possible because I believe every small action counts. When I see businesses purchasing excessive amounts of plastic for packaging, it’s a stark reminder of how unnecessary waste is perpetuated. While I occasionally use new packaging, it’s only as a last resort when no other options are available. By making these choices, we aim to inspire others to rethink what’s possible with what they already have.
Ideas for Reusing Packaging: Looking to reuse what you have for packaging? Here are a few suggestions:
Cereal Bags: Durable and versatile.
Amazon/Shipping Bubble Bags: Flip them inside out and reuse them.
Boxes: Any sturdy box can be repurposed for shipping.
Let me know in the comments what creative ideas you have for reusing packaging materials.