Wednesday, August 15, 2012

"Green" Package Packing Solution

They say that necessity is the mother of all invention.  Well, my "green" package packing solution is not exactly an invention, rather it was a way to use something I already had to serve another purpose. Certain members of my family that live in another state had birthdays in the middle of last month. So, I'm a little late. It took me awhile to find just the right gifts for them.  Then I had to put the gifts together and figure out how to pack the fragile item so that it wouldn't be damaged. "Paper or plastic?" I asked myself. I decided it would be way cuter to use paper bags to cushion and even wrap the gifts than to use the standard packing peanuts or plastic grocery bags to fill in the gaps.  Here's what I did:
I took a standard paper grocery bag, ripped off the bottom and tore it in half lengthwise to fit in the shredder.
Next, I let the shredder do all the hard work.  For my medium flat rate box from the post office I used 1 to 2 bags. When your paper bags are shredded you'll want to scrunch the shreds up a bit to give them more volume. (Be careful of paper cuts...I speak from experience)
Here is a nice little nest for my fragile gift. I actually love the look of this.  It's so much better than those green static-filled packing peanuts.

One of my paper bags had a cute little tree printed on it.  I decided to use this one to wrap my niece's gift. I just know she is going to love it.  I got goosebumps when I found this little gem for her. Maybe I'll post about it later...after I get the package to her.

I have a certain package that's late as it can be;
It sits upon my table right where all can see.
I need to send it soon, for the birthdays are all past.
These gifts won't be the first they get, most likely they'll be last.

Thank you for enduring my sad attempt at poetry. I'm pretty sure my iambic pentameter is off. Anyway, I hope the paper bag tip will help you get your packages out on time. ;-)


I'm linking up at some of these great parties and
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31 comments:

  1. That's really cute! The only problem I've had when using shredded paper in packaging is that it adds more weight than Styrofoam peanuts, which adds to shipping cost. It's okay for an occasional package, but when I was shipping for my Etsy shop, I had to use lighter weight packaging. Used peanuts became like gold for me!

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  2. That is just adorable!
    I would love if you came by my party happening now to link this up!
    Stacey of Embracing Change
    http://staceyembracingchange.blogspot.com

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  3. I love the idea of wrapping packages or presents in paper bags. I remember when I used to wrap gifts for my mom, instead of always buying wrapping paper, we would wrap gifts in the comic section from the newspaper, the classifieds, or old copies of the Wall Street Journal. It always added interest to the package, and plus it's recycling. We didn't call it that back then. We just thought it was fun and interesting. :-)

    Visiting from The Shabby Creek Cottage link party.

    www.artisticexpressionsbyelisabeth.blogspot.com

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  4. Nici,
    That is a great idea. I absolutely love the way your little present is packages. The twine is the perfect finishing touch. I can't wait to start shredding my bags!

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  5. What a great idea. I usually buy that shredded stuff from the dollar store but seems so much smarter to make it myself. And I love the idea of wrapping in paper bags.

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  6. What a great idea..... so funny, I just noticed the last commenter said the same thing. I also like the idea of using this for Easter grass or just in a compote or anything else as a base for something pretty. Thanks for the tip!

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  7. What a simple but creative way to wrap. I never have the right wrapping paper for the gift/recipient so this is perfect.

    Thanks for posting this great idea

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  8. I love your packaging ideas. I thought you put the tree on the bag yourself. How awesome to find one printed like that! Thanks so much for linking up at One Creative Weekend!

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  9. I love this...I'm thinking of how to use this during the holidays. All that brand new wrapping seems like such a waste. This is so much better!

    I would love it if you would share this at this week's Smart Solutions linky party. You can link up here:

    http://theprudentpantryblog.blogspot.com/2012/08/prudent-projects-smart-solutions-week-7.html

    Have a great day!

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  10. I shred wrapping paper and use it as "fluff" for packing as well as wrapping the present. It is a very nice touch.

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  11. I do try to reuse packing material, but also to cut down on postage, i have to go with the lightest. to avoid the birthday present rush, i give out small presents throughout the year. My nieces and nephew love the surprises. Love the wrapping made from the bag!

    Distressed Donna Down Home

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  12. What a pretty present! I never thought of shredding my own bags to make the shredded paper for presents or packaging something to mail. Excellent idea!

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  13. Very nice. I love the idea of shredding paper bags for packing. I also love using brown craft paper with twine for gifts. That tree printed bag sure is neat and made the perfect gift-wrap.

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  14. I love the poetry! Love the idea of recycling the gift packages too! You are just clever all around!!

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  15. Wonderful! We too use our paper bags for these sort of projects and when they are useful no more, they go into the compost. Thank you so much for this post, it is nice to see others living green!

    ***I am stopping by from Make It Pretty Monday, have a lovely week. :)

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  16. These are great ideas! I love using brown paper for wrapping gifts and adding a bit of whimsy to it!

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  17. Absolutely great idea. I never thought to run a bag through a paper shredder. I'm having one of those "Why didn't I think of that moments." Thanks for sharing at my Our Favorite Things Link Party. Have a great week.

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  18. I just wanted to let you know that I featured your post today. Thanks for sharing your "green" ideas!

    http://fiveseventeenrepurposing.blogspot.com/2012/08/im-doing-reader-pick-at-take-look.html

    Blessings,
    Carrie

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  19. Very cute! I am all for reusing things, especially if it replaces wrapping paper you would otherwise throw away. I posted something similar about using dishcloths for wrapping paper.

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  20. Look how beautiful this is! Perfect for Christmas time
    www.iheartpears.blogspot.com

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  21. Love this wrapping! Thanks for linking to Cowgirl Up. I featured your project on my fb page today. Make sure you stop by the blog and grab a "I was Featured on Cowgirl Up" button.
    :) Samantha @ Crafty Texas Girls
    You can see the fb post here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crafty-Texas-Girls/140299076008437

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  22. Very cool ideas! I love keeping it green! Come link up to Centerpiece Wednesday and share this idea.
    Karin

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  23. Cute! I love the idea of using shredded grocery bags for packaging, great post :)

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  24. These are great ideas. Thank you so much for sharing with Wednesdays Adorned From Above Link Party last week. This weeks Link Party is opened at http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/08/tangerine-toner-and-wednesdays-adorned.html
    Hope to see you there.
    Debi Bolocofsky
    Adorned From Above
    www.adornedfromabove.com

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  25. Congrats!!! You are being featured in our Feature Friday post! We love this!

    We also invited you to our exclusive Feature Friday Pinterest board and hope you will join! We pin our fav bloggers that were one of our top picks. You can pin anything you make there at any time! Just trying to help others learn about your crafty projects!

    Have a super weekend! See you at the new Crafty Showcase starting Saturday!

    Susie @Bowdabra
    http://bowdabrablog.com/2012/08/24/feature-friday-bowdabra-top-crafty-showcase-picks-11/#

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  26. Smarty pants! Thanks for the tip. And, thanks for sharing this at Make it Pretty Monday! Hope to see your prettiness again on Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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  27. Great tips and a beautiful package! We are featuring this tomorrow on our Uncommonly Yours link party features!

    Take care,

    Trish

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  28. Wanted to let you know that I featured your post in this weeks Favorite Things Party.
    http://mylifesatreasure.blogspot.com/2012/08/our-favorite-things-link-party-12.html

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  29. LOVE this!!! So happy you stopped by!
    Smiles!
    Jami
    www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com

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  30. I think your niece would definitely like it, Nici. :) Actually, it's a must to destroy all sensitive information including junk mail and paperwork regardless if it's paper or plastic. These are some examples of things that should be shredded: account numbers, birth dates, passwords and PINs, signature, and social security numbers. :)

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  31. I like this wonderful and cool post regarding on doing unique craft about paper shredder. Keep it up!

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Thank you so much for stopping by to leave a comment. I really appreciate you taking the time to write your words of encouragement. Your sweet notes make my heart smile! Have a delightful day!

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