Since 2022, the amount of Americans who put fighting climate change as a top priority has grown from 38% to 52%.

Activists have encouraged the public to ditch plastic shopping bags, swap to bamboo toothbrushes, and stop using single-use plastic containers.

But how can we “go green” and cut costs when shipping? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here’s everything you need to know of the cheapest shipping boxes and just how they are able to help the environment.

1. Pack Small , Light

Looking for that cheapest method to ship small items?

Companies base shipping charges around the weight of the package or its dimensional weight. This means a heavier product will be cheaper to ship than a single that weighs less but takes up more space.

When you're shipping small items, pack them in a box with a smaller size as it will be cheaper. Additionally, it reduces the quantity of filler material you need which reduces the weight (another money-saver) and waste.

If you’re sending letters, check out this envelope size chart which means you don’t splurge on a bigger envelope when you don’t have to.

2. Get Free Packaging Materials

The cheapest way to ship a small package is as simple as getting your packaging supplies free of charge. You can do this by:

Using Priority Mail

Priority Mail lets you ship cheaply as the USPS provides you with free boxes and, if you ask, they will deliver them to your workplace. This means you can save a few of these boxes for other shipments.

Once you've enough boxes, you may also cut them up and use them as dividers and filler for other shipments.

Check the Dumpsters

Although this is not for everyone, you can get old cardboard boxes from nearby businesses. For example, supermarkets produce a great deal of waste daily, when a lot of it could be re-used.

You'll be able to find bubble wrap, brown paper, and foam which are ideal for filling packaging. Despite the fact that recycled and cut-up materials aren’t probably the most aesthetic, they'll lessen the amount you spend on shipments while minimizing your carbon footprint.

3. Get Recycled Boxes

In the U.S, 100 billion corrugated boxes are used each year, most of which find themselves in landfills.

Using recycled boxes and reusing original copies rather than buying new can help to reduce this waste.

If you're planning to buy recycled boxes, make sure they're eco-friendly. Look for a box which comes from the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) because it means it's originate from a sustainably managed forest, both environmentally and socially.

4. Use Eco-Friendly Package Filler

Protective packaging is important as it preserves its contents, but be mindful of your package filler choice.

Styrofoam, for instance, is hazardous for the environment. Not only is it petroleum-based, nevertheless its manufacturing process produces a large amount of waste.

Instead, swap it for biodegradable air peanuts because they work the same way without the disastrous environmental consequences. Or use cornstarch-based filler as it has plastic-like properties, which makes it a great alternative for bottles and loose-fill packaging.

Another inexpensive alternative is made of mushrooms. It's clean agricultural waste which is then bonded with mushroom roots. An excellent advantage is that is could be molded into whichever form of packaging you wish and then biodegrades into non-toxic, organic matter.

You can also use inflatable air pillows as they're available in an array of sizes and provide cushioning around packed items. They're small bags which consist mostly of air, minimizing the quantity of plastic which goes into their production.

5. Find a Shipper That Does Green Delivery

Not sure what “green delivery” is?

It means the most efficient method of transporting items. What this means is bulking deliveries together, waiting on the van to achieve full capacity, and using carbon-efficient transportation like electric vehicles or even bicycles.

Note that sustainable shipping can take longer than traditional couriers, however it can be more cost-effective and, obviously, eco-friendly.

Thanks towards the U.S's SmartWay Program, you can see data on low-emission transporting companies to determine what is easily the most eco-friendly. If you're unsure, check the website every Monday afternoon to see their up-to-date performance rankings.

You can also research to see whether they use hybrid delivery vehicles and whether or not they use eco-friendly packaging.

6. Send Items in Bulk

Even if you have many individual packages to transmit out, refrain from sending them out separately. If you’re concerned about shipping cheaply, transporting goods by bulk saves costs in transportation and reduces your carbon footprint.

7. Use More Durable Packaging Materials

Alongside its sustainability, packaging materials should be durable too. Packages often get thrown around between delivery and pickup, therefore it is essential that the product stays safe on the road.

Another bonus of durable packaging is how you are able to re-use it. Most good quality cardboard boxes can be shipped many times and reinforced by duct tape when they show signs of wear and tear.

That’s How You Obtain the Cheapest Shipping Boxes

It’s possible to discover the cheapest shipping boxes when you get creative. You can begin by re-using recycled boxes, buying your packages from sustainable sources, and choosing durable packaging so you can re-use it.

You should also look for a “green” carrier as they've got recycled filler, packaging, and delivery services to reduce your footprint.

Did you find this short article useful? If so, check out our posts on how to become more eco-friendly in each and every aspect of your lifetime.