Want 100% recyclable? We dig it.

Here at Plants In A Box we’re big fans of the natural world and conscious of having a light footprint with a big impact on this earth.

The environmental problems damaging our world are just heartbreaking, so we’ve thought long and hard about our recycling.

You’ve probably heard in the news that China has stopped taking our recyclable plastics and that we’re in a crisis with our waste?

It’s pretty much the same the world over. We’re drowning in waste.

Plastics, in particular, are causing a huge environmental problem. Plastics like carrier bags and those crappy disposable water bottles are literally everywhere except in the recycling bin. And to make it worse plastic waste takes 500 years to break down completely.

We don’t want to add to this problem at Plants In A Box.

Experts say people need to cut back on their appetite for single use item, re-use what already exists, and recycle whatever is not needed. So, in the midst of our waste crisis, we thought you’d like to know that we’re trying hard and that our packaging is 100% recyclable.

Here’s the lowdown.

Packaging You Can Reuse and Recycle

Our cardboard boxes break down into nothing.

But!

Before you recycle our boxes you can re-use them.

Fold the boxes inside out to store your stuff, make a new box to re-gift the plants, and even use them to catch soil as you re-pot. Re-using our boxes means you don’t have to buy a plastic container.

Done that? Great, now it’s time to recycle them.

If you have a compost heap pop them on, if not, put them in the recycling bin or the green waste.

Our little plants are safely grown in tubes. But when it’s time to move on those tubes can be recycled. Pop ‘em in the recycling bin once you’ve planted your babes out or reuse them for propagating cuttings.

And did you see our bubble wrap? IT’S NOT PLASTIC!

Nope. It’s actually bio-degradable corn starch that breaks down in the normal waste bin without causing a pollution problem.

Please reuse the bubble wrap first. Wrap up your precious things, send an eBay parcel, get out your stress by popping the air bubbles - and then recycle it.

And our little plastic bags? Don’t worry - They’re 100% recyclable too. Unfortunately, we have to use these bags to make sure your new babies travel well. This is only used on the varieties where we feel necessary and we are working together to find new and more environmentally friendly ways to overcome this. As you can imagine shipping live plants is one of the hardest products to deliver online. We pride ourselves on delivering a premium product to your door. If we wouldn't buy it we just simply won't send it.

So far so good - but if you’re looking for a few easy tips to reduce your plastic consumption join in with us at PIAB. We’re using these easy waste-reduction tips to help in the war on waste.

Use Your Own Coffee Cup

If you need a caffeine boost in the morning, we hear you. We have our own mugs here in the nursery, and when we’re travelling we take a thermos or most of us have one before we leave the house in the mornings. It’s cheaper, environmentally-friendly and you’ll have more hard cash for PLANTS!

Photo via Pinterest (pottery for the planet)

Jute Bags - We Love ‘Em

We ditched the plastic carrier bags that made our food sweat and replaced them with totes instead. 

Water Bottles

We re-use our remaining plastic water bottles by filling ‘em from the tap. When they’re looking pathetic they’re recycled and replaced by a stainless steel version that actually keeps water cold.

Pick Up Litter

We pick up beach litter. Yes, it’s really gross, but each plastic piece gone makes a 500-year difference and protects wildlife.

Composting Green Waste

Recycling is a big aspect of gardening. Nature knows best. She’s produced biodegradable plants that break down into high quality nutritious potting mix or mulch so there’s zero waste. Give it a go if you’ve got some room.

Plant Something Green

We’re not just saying that because we sell plants - we actually love plants, love this job, and want everyone else to love plants as well.

Greening up your home purifies the air and brings the calming, happy feels. In the yard, plants provide habitats for insects, birds, mammals, and nectar for the pollinators.

We’re Trying Our Best

Baby steps to help the planet deal with waste are important.

We take our carbon footprint seriously and try really hard each day to tread lightly on the Earth. We’re not perfect yet, but we’re getting there and we figure every little bit helps.