6 Innovative Ways To Reuse Your Parcel Box

Recycling Week 2021 runs from September 20th - September 26th and is an annual celebration of recycling across the nation. This year's theme is 'Step It Up this Recycle Week' and focuses on how we can all help combat the climate crisis through changing small but powerful habits.

In shipping, packaging in all forms is a significant contributor to throwaway materials that end up in a landfill. Thankfully, there are opportunities to be more sustainable with the packaging you send out using eco-friendly packaging alternatives to lighten your carbon footprint.

But, what do you do with the packaging you receive from your parcels?

If a cardboard box is in good condition, reuse it for your future deliveries along with any bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and other cushioning materials. Not only does it save you money on buying delivery boxes, but they are also handy to keep for storage or moving house. Reuse is the best thing to do as it doesn't use up energy and resources. Just remember, if you decide to reuse a cardboard box, make sure you remove any previous shipping labels.

However, there are many other creative ways to reuse your cardboard boxes that aren't just for shipping. Here are a few of our favourites:

1) Create a cat playhouse

Have you ever heard of a cat resisting a cardboard box? Even the fanciest toys in the world cannot compete with an old-fashioned cat fort, and it is so easy to create!

You can design anything from a rocket ship, a car, or even a simple house with some windows. All you need to do is cut out some shapes big enough for your cat to crawl through, and you could provide your cat with hours of fun- especially if some treats are involved.

If you have a few spare boxes, you could even attach them and create a giant tunnel or tower! Little Buddy here certainly approves!

Remember: Make sure you remove anything from the boxes that your cat could potentially swallow or choke on, like tape or staples

2) Design a stylish storage solution

With a bit of TLC, boxes can make some great storage for the home or car boot. If you have any spare wrapping paper or fabric offcuts, they can be used as decoration. Wrap the box with your chosen material and cut out a hole for the handle.

These stylish boxes are perfect for storing toiletries or stationery in the house and useful for the car boot to prevent groceries or shopping from flying around!

3) Make a bin that is far from trash

Despite the poor joke, making a bin from leftover packaging is a great way to recycle your old, smaller boxes. Remove the lid of the box and decorate the outside with decorative foil or paper. Add an old shopping plastic bag for the lining and these DIY bins are perfect for placing under your desk or in your bedroom.

4) Create unique wall art

Let your imagination run wild and design your very own wall hanging for the home. You could create anything from a door sign, wall art, or photo frame. It is a great way to get creative without breaking the bank and is a fun project to try on a rainy day. Pinterest has some great DIY ideas to help get the creative juices flowing!

However, if you are not so artistically inclined, you could turn your box into…

5) Drawer dividers

If you have a box big enough, cut your cardboard box into strips and use the pieces in your drawer as dividers. The different sections allow you to organize your drawer neatly and won't cost you anything!

6) Floor protection

Dismantled boxes are convenient for decorating. They can save your floors from any accidental paint spills and can be recycled when you are finished. So, don't think your boxes won't come in handy someday!

Sadly, your trusty box will eventually fulfil its purpose (or the cat will destroy it), but don't fret! You can see where your nearest recycling center is at Recycle Now. The website has a handy A-Z list explaining what to do with a range of popular household items such as foil, plastic bottles and aerosols.

If you want to think outside the box, you can also utilize cardboard boxes for compost if it has become soiled or wet. Roughly tear or shred cardboard into pieces to speed up the decomposition process in a compost bin.

If your cardboard box is destined for shipping, get the best quotes with us at Interparcel! We offer a wide range of services from some of the best couriers in the business. If you have any shipping questions, speak to our parcel experts via phone, email, or live chat between 8 am - 8 pm Monday to Friday, or 9 am - 1 pm on weekends.

If you need further assistance on how to send a parcel, read our handy do's and don'ts guide.

Reference: Hometalk Cardboard Box Upcycles on Youtube