One woman's recycling is another woman's...

I have gathered up 8 boxes, 2 rolls of sticky bubble wrap, one plastic air pocket strip of packaging, and a few thousand packing peanuts.  On Tuesday I will put them outside my door and a kind fairy will come take them away.  Ok, she's not a fairy, her name is Sue, but she is kind and very helpful.  And she might say the same about me. 

See I found Sue on Freecycle.  She was looking for packaging people wanted to get rid of that she could have and use for her at home business.  Lucky lady, I just happen to have a lot of that laying around. 

I order a lot things online because the earth-friendly selection in this little village I reside in leaves much to be desired.  So (unfortunately) I have a lot of packaging that would normally go in recycling or trash.  And recycling is great and all, but remember, it's reduce THEN reuse THEN recycle.  

I am trying to reduce by buying things in bulk and ordering from companies that have Mama E lovin' packaging techniques, but at some point, I still have boxes and wrapping on my hands.  So I let Sue reuse it and it's a win/win situation for all of us.  

Give your local freecycle a look-see.  Your packaging materials may save someone else precious resources.  If you don't have a local freecycle, check with local preschool and kindergarten classes.  Often times teachers use these as forts, sensory materials, or craft projects for children.

How have you reused packaging materials?  

And remember, today is the last day to register for the Winter Blues Giveaway!  The winner will be announced tomorrow!