This is kind of a hard one. Last night when I was ordering binding supplies on line, I began to realize how hard it really is. Because so many things come shipped in plastic. I ordered binder boards, they come shrink wrapped. I ordered some hand made paper from Tibet for end papers, which typically does not come in plastic. And I ordered some Super/Mull which also comes in plastic packaging.
Today when I was packaging up an order of books, I realized once again that there is plastic involved. But at least the next time I run out of tape, I can replace the plastic tape with paper packing tape. The kind that is reinforced with fiberglass threads and you have to wet it to activate the adhesive.
And bubble wrap can be used over and over. In fact, we've never had to buy it, because it magically appears in everything. We wrap the books in it sometimes, and then it is used again at the other end. But today, I did come up with an alternative to bubble wrap, if I ever run out of the stuff...because we've agreed we won't buy it, even though it's mighty handy to have when you're packing up books to mail.
Old fashioned packing material before everything became plastic, was cardboard, and newspaper. And boxes were often tied with string. I don't think they allow cording anymore, because of the automated machines.
So yes, I can adjust how I ship things out, but not so much how I receive things being shipped in. My only option there, is to keep my eyes open for supplies which are sold locally, in bulk. There is one place left around here where we get a lot of our supplies, but she doesn't carry the items I had to order.
These kinds of local businesses are fast disappearing in the wake of on line shopping. Shame. I prefer seeing faces, and hearing voices, and conversing as I exchange money for goods, rather than burning my tired eyes out looking at a screen, and typing numbers into fields.
That's it for day 8. :)
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