Skip to main content
All CollectionsGetting Started
Tips for eco-friendly shipping
Tips for eco-friendly shipping

Some easy ways you can reduce your environmental impact when shipping packages, from recycling packing materials to using smaller boxes

Updated over 6 months ago

Looking to help your business reduce its carbon footprint? We've laid out some tips to consider below.

Decrease packaging material waste

  • Small Boxes are Better: Using the right-sized box is a quick way to become more eco-friendly! The smaller you can make your box, the less cardboard you will use... and the cheaper it will be to ship it πŸ˜‰

    • How to Cut Boxes Down to Size: Besides using a smaller box, you can also cut back on packaging material by slicing and dicing a box you already have βœ‚οΈ Check out this hooky-dandy video for more info on how to cut boxes down to size.

Use sustainable packing alternatives

Eco-friendly packing products are easy to come by πŸ‘ If you have room in your budget, consider some of these eco-friendly brands next time you ship:

Recycle packing supplies

  • Old Packaging Works: If you've got any old packaging lying around the house, feel free to use it for a new shipment! Even an old Amazon box will do.

  • Recyclable Cushioning Materials: For cushioning, consider reaching out to your local newspaper, publishing, or recycling centers for unwanted paper products. Shipping your goods wrapped in locally sourced packaging can also add a nice touch of personality 🀠

  • Save Material From Your Deliveries: You can also save material that you receive in your own eCommerce deliveries, like bubble wrap, tissue, kraft paper, and more!

Offer free returns for your empty product containers

  • Ask Customers to Return Empty Containers: Offering free returns on empty product containers will help you save on additional packaging costs, and is also a great way to keep your customers engaged!

  • Pirate Ship Offers Return Labels: We’ve made returns a breeze at Pirate Ship πŸ’ͺ With Return Labels you can include in your packages, customers can send any recyclable materials back to you faster than they can say "Ahoy, Matey!"

    • If you'd like more info, chat with our Support Crew and ask about how you can start sending pay-on-use return labels today!

Take advantage of pickups from USPS and UPS

When USPS or UPS picks up your packages, you won't have to waste any gas driving to the Post Office or any UPS drop-off location πŸš—

Since your local letter carriers and UPS workers are already out and about, you might as well have them swing by and grab your packages for you!

You're already on your way!

  • USPS & UPS Sustainability Initiatives: Did you know that by shipping with USPS and UPS, your business is already taking steps to achieve more eco-friendly shipping? Clap your hooks and give yourself a round of applause!

    • Read more about the USPS sustainability initiatives here 🌎

    • UPS also has sustainability initiatives that you can read about here πŸ‘Œ

Did this answer your question?