Eco-friendly packaging
Also the vast majority of products are digital, I do sell three types of physical product: cross stitch kits, accessories, and ready-made hoop art. Until someone invents a way to safely ship products with zero packaging, I'm forced to consume materials to protect those products in transit. I have, however, gone to some lengths to ensure that our environmental impact is as small as possible, whilst still giving you a happy and aesthetically-pleasing 'unboxing' experience!
I reuse what packaging I can that I receive with orders from other companies including things like cardboard, shredding, bubble wrap, ribbon, packing paper, and plastic wrap. Everything that comes through my door gets assessed for its 'resuability'!
I do still have to buy in materials, though, so I've made sure they're recycled, recyclable, biodegradable, and cruelty-free wherever possible. I also make sure to buy from small and independent businesses in the UK. This not only supports the local economy's competition against large companies and chains, but helps reduce our carbon footprint too.
A slip is included with each order detailing the contents and proper disposal of each item of packaging. It may be additional paper, but it makes disposal easier for the customer. See the breakdown below:
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Brown Packing Paper: reused from paper bags from my old business. 100% paper.
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Upcycled Packing Paper: reused from orders I've received. 100% paper
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Brown Packing Paper (new): made from 100% recycled paper, biodegradable
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Brown Packaging Tape: paper, biodegradable. 100% recycled paper, silicone-free.
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Gummed Paper Tape: paper & starch. Recyclable & biodegradable
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Cross Stitch Kit Box: cardboard, recyclable. Made of recycled material.
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Bubble Wrap / Foam Wrap: I avoid these whenever I can, but for glass needleminders and orders shipped overseas, I'll often add a little extra protection. All bubble wrap and plastic protection is upcycled from my own mail. I also separate out the bubble wrap lining from mailing bags and reuse this.
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Cross Stitch Kit Thread Sorter Card: card, recyclable. 75-100% recycled content.
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Cross Stitch Kit Instructions: paper, recyclable.
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Backing Felt: (included with hoop art & round kits): vegan-friendly felt
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Paper Mailing Bags: (for shipping small items) 100% paper, recyclable
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Needleminder Backing Card: Playing cards bought from charity shops that align with my personal ethics (e.g. no pro-life charities). I considered having branded cards printed, but, seeing as they just end up in the bin, I'd rather reuse unwanted cards and support charities instead.
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Free Teabag: Packing envelope: 100% paper, recyclable. Teabag: 100% biodegradable. No plastic used during shipping. For more info see here.
The stickers used to both secure and decorate the packaging are printed by small UK companies or stamped at home, and the little treats included are vegan / plant-based. I'll sometimes send on non-vegan sweets received from other companies; if you do not want freebies that include animal products, please do say!
I don't send a packing slip or hard copy invoice with your order, as these are emailed to you automatically. I also try to walk to the post office to drop off orders, although I am a one-woman operation and chronic illness can often require me to drive. When driving, I make sure to combine my trip with other errands so I'm using as little fuel as possible.
All products come from a smoke-free home. We are a cat- and dog-friendly establishment, but they're obviously not allowed in my office.
If you have questions about any aspect of the process, just drop me a line and I'll be happy to clarify.
