How to Re-Use Your CVA Packing Materials

We put a lot of care into packing your honey so it arrives safe and sound. But once you've torn into that box and cracked open your jar, you might be left wondering - what can I do with all this stuff?

Good news: almost everything we pack your order in can be reused, repurposed, or returned to the earth. Here's how.

Cornstarch Peanuts:

Those little packing peanuts we use? They're not your average styrofoam. They're made from cornstarch, which means they're completely biodegradable... and they dissolve in water!

Ways to use them:

Dissolve them in a bucket of water and pour it down the drain - totally safe
Toss them directly into your garden and water them in. They'll break down naturally and won't harm your soil or plants at all.

Cardboard:

Don't toss that box in the recycling just yet. Cardboard is one of the best free mulching materials you can get your hands on, and gardeners have been using it for years.

Laying cardboard flat on your garden beds smothers weeds, retains moisture, and breaks down over time to feed the soil. It works especially well when layered with compost or wood chips on top.

Want to learn more about how to do it right? We love this article from Laidback Gardener:

Bubble Wrap:

Bubble wrap is surprisingly versatile. Here are some of our favorite second (and third) lives for it:

Around the house:

Wrap your fragile items - Christmas ornaments, trinkets, mugs, and keepsakes store beautifully wrapped in bubble wrap
Stuff it into stored shoes to help them keep their shape through the off-season
Wrap it around tool handles - broom handles, rakes, shovels, and secure with a little tape for a DIY cushion grip. Your hands will thank you after a long day in the garden.

Get creative: Bubble wrap is actually a surprisingly fun art supply. Check out this video for some seriously satisfying ideas:

The Bigger Picture

At Champlain Valley Apiaries, sustainability isn't just something we talk about It's baked into how we keep bees, how we pack, and how we ship. We're always looking for ways to reduce waste, and we love knowing our customers are too.

Have a creative way you've reused your CVA packaging? Tag us on Instagram - we'd love to see it!

How to Re-Use Your CVA Packing Materials