| Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption |
| sally_in_wales |
Polystyrene packing chipsAargh, just tried to collapse down this weeks load of packing boxes for the compost, and am left with a bin bag full of those polystyrene packing chips. I reuse as many as I can when sending things on, but i always get more than I can use. Does anyone have any brilliant ideas for these beyond putting them in the bin, I'm pretty sure they don't recycle this type of polystyrene round here. |
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| Lozzie |
Is there anyone nearby you know of who uses packaging - say, a local artist or potter - someone who has delicate things that need protection when being stored or transported? Anyone who runs an antiques business, or mail-order?
They make good Christmas tree decorations when strung like popcorn onto thread. 
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| sally_in_wales |
Good point, I'll ask the local freecycle if anyone needs them | ||
| dougal |
I, and a few other, did suggest a couple of things on an earlier thread
http://forum.downsizer.net/viewtopic.php?t=1890 Or could you maybe just use larger boxes for your outgoing shipments?  
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| Cashew |
They are good for drainage in pots. The thought of them fills me with dread, though, when I moved into my hse the prev owner - a seller of costume jewelry - left a box of poly chips in the garden.
I awoke one morning to wonder why it was 'snowing' in May. I still find them in the soil even though I've been there more than 10 yrs |
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| tawny owl |
Lots of good ideas on this. I remember, though, opening a box full of those biodegradable packing things (I presume the maize starch - smelt exactly like Cheesy Puff snacks), which contained frozen items; the condensation had soaked into the packing bits, and I shoved my hands into what felt like ice-cold porridge! Urrggh. |
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| alison |
local school or nursery would use tham in art and craft projects too. | ||
| wellington womble |
Sort of thing you might be able to offer on a LETs scheme too - just that they are the sort of people who might have a use for them rather than getting much for them, I mean. You could try local shops too. | ||
| Riverflow |
They do not, repeat, DO NOT, taste like the aforementioned snacks. I had a box delivered filled with them the other year. Smelled good. Had a couple of beers and thought I'd give it a try. 
Col |
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| judith |
Thanks for carrying out that important research for us! I had wondered myself... |
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| tawny owl |
Mmm, yes, we had tried them previously (when they'd arrived in a dry box). Cardboardy, with a sort of mouldy undertone (in best Jilly Goolden voice). |