Using and Re-using Packaging Peanuts
Every precious photo frame, figurine, vase, and glass has safely made it into your new home, but what do you do with those useful packaging peanuts now that they have lost their use?
First, if you have used a recyclable packaging peanut, take them to a local shipping store. Most stores will accept your left over peanuts and reuse them. But, what if you haven’t used a recyclable packaging peanut? Before you reach for the trash bags, consider that Styrofoam consumes up to 30% of space in our nations landfills while releasing toxic chemicals into the earth and producing harmful greenhouse gasses. Do you really want to add to that pollution? Well, don’t become down heartened. There are many, many different ways to use those packaging peanuts.
Do you have a dog or cat? Try stuffing some into an old pillow case to make a pet bed? This really works great because if Rover or Fifi should chew up their bed you can just pick up the mess and use the pieces to stuff another pillow case!
What if you have a green thumb? Place some left over peanuts in the bottom of your hanging baskets or potted plants. Packaging peanuts are great at providing drainage and in effect giving you a healthier plant. Or stuff a scare crow with some to keep your garden free from unwanted pests.
Maybe the great outdoors is your calling? String some up and attach to your keys or phone. The bright color will stick out against the ground and keep you from losing them if you drop them. Or maybe you are going to the beach? Having some attached to your keys will keep them from sinking.
To make a room smell really fresh, you can sprinkle some packaging peanuts with perfume and place in a potpourri jar to display on a dresser.
Or simply pass along. If you know someone else who is moving, just donate and let them become someone else’s problem.
One way to help protect your valuables and the environment is to look for a biodegradable packaging peanut, especially if you buy large quantities or if you buy packing peanuts in bulk. There are a few different kinds to choose from, but whatever you choose you can rest easy knowing that you have done something to go a little greener. Biodegradable cornstarch packaging peanuts dissolve in water and leave no toxic waste behind. They are also static free! Other biodegradable packaging peanuts are not made of cornstarch but are all natural just the same. They are just as durable as other packaging peanuts and will not shrink in humid conditions. Some biodegradable packaging peanuts also claim to be good for your lawn and plants. You just add to your compost pile or sprinkle directly on the lawn and spray with the hose or wait until the next rain. They dissolve right into the ground and do not leave any toxic chemicals behind. To go really green, you can even make your own biodegradable packaging peanut. Simple instructions can be found online.
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