Our Shipping Materials and Practices
TO SUM UP OUR PRACTICES, WE LOOK FOR SUSTAINABLE METHODS AND MATERIALS WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
- Using sustainable packaging from responsible suppliers
- Reusing shipping materials from our vendors or own orders
- Using the smallest size packaging we can for your items
- Using biodegradable packing materials
- Using biodegradable glassine, paper bags or plant-based cellophane to protect products, such as postcards, wool and art
- Emailing a packing slip or order slip in lieu of sending one with every package (unless there is a reason to send one)
WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?
WHAT SHIPPING SUPPLIES DO WE USE AT ALDER & ALOUETTE?
All of our products are packed and shipped in 100% recyclable or compostable, paper-based materials with the exception of:
- our paper tape with plant-based adhesive is reinforced with fiberglass string
- drop shipped items may contain materials we do not use
- we reuse plastic shipping fill sent to us; we never purchase plastic fill but will reuse it when it’s shipped to us in merchandise
For protection of your product, we may have to enclose them in compostable glassine bags or tie recyclable Kraft or tissue paper wrappings with compostable hemp or jute twine.
If packing peanuts are used, we use those that are corn starch based and they will dissolve in water.
WHY DID MY PRODUCT ARRIVE WITH PLASTIC?
Some of our vendors send their products in corn-based cellophane as it is stronger than glassine bags or use cornstarch packing peanuts, which are all compostable and we do reuse these as needed.
You may also see a product arrive in protective regular plastic wrap if this is the way the vendor originally sent the product to us; however, no plastic is ever purchased for use by us to wrap products.
WHY DID MY PRODUCT SHIP IN A BOX BRANDED WITH A DIFFERENT COMPANY THAN YOURS?
We have a strong belief in and practice of reusing cardboard boxes we receive our merchandise and supplies in from our vendors to avoid extra waste of materials and avoid using virgin resources when it’s not necessary. We believe this makes the boxes twice loved. Please give them some love too if they are still in good shape or flatten and recycle them as needed.
JUST SOME EXTRA ADVICE
The twice loved cardboard boxes also make great grass and weed killers if you choose to create a garden of native plants or pollinator friendly flowers (remember to buy plants and seeds from plants that have never been treated with pesticides or the residue in the nectar can kill or weaken pollinators).
WHICH SHIPPING OPTION SHOULD I CHOOSE?
Although we offer various shipping speeds and types quicker than free ground shipping with USPS, we highly encourage you to choose green and choose USPS economy ground shipping whenever possible, especially for smaller items! This helps because USPS has a regular route already established and your packages can be delivered while they are on their regular route.
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?
Though we do not use plastic and we strive to use vendors that also do not use plastic, some do for various reasons and your actual product may arrive with plastic shells or wraps. We do encourage you to write or email these vendors and ask for better alternatives. Often, these companies do offset their use by doing something that benefits the environment, but what will benefit it most is to stop the stream of plastic forever. These companies tend to listen to customers in volume rather than retailers, so the more people contact them, the better the outcome may be.
THANK YOU!
Thank you for supporting our small business and helping to make the tiny changes towards a plastic-free world that add up to tremendously large benefits.
Kindly & with Sincere Warmth & Hope,
The Alder & Alouette Family
