Plastic mailers ~ Why & how to make sure they’re not single use

The Truth About Compostable Mailers & How to Reuse Plastic Mailers

In recent years, many businesses have shifted to compostable mailers as part of their sustainability efforts. While eco friendly packaging is the ideal, compostable mailers are not, there are a few hidden downsides to compostable mailers that often go unnoticed. 

The Disadvantages of Compostable Mailers 1. Home composting is the only option

While compostable mailers sound great in theory, not everyone has composting facilities at home and if the mailer ends up in a regular landfill, it can take years to decompose—just like plastic and the side effects of these mailers ending up in landfill are no joke. Compostable mailers in landfill produce significant amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, during their decomposition. This is because landfills lack oxygen, leading to anaerobic decomposition where methane is a primary byproduct. While compostable materials like compostable mailers are designed to break down in controlled composting environments, they do not decompose as intended in the oxygen-poor environment of a landfill. Compostable mailers take 2-3 years to decompose in a landfill. This is significantly longer than the 90-120 days it takes for them to break down in a home composting environment.

2. Greenwashing Concerns

Not all “compostable” mailers are created equal. Some brands use buzzwords like biodegradable without meeting proper environmental standards. This can mislead consumers into believing they’re making a sustainable choice when the product doesn’t actually break down efficiently.

Unfortunately while plastic isn’t the ideal solution, until there is a better option it is the one Hello Saturday has opted for in the mean time. Keep in mind most purchases will remain in recyclable cardboard mailers and only ones deemed necessary will use plastic mailers.  

So let’s talk simple ways to reuse plastic mailers. First of all if you receive plastic mailers, don’t toss them! There are plenty of ways to reuse your plastic mailers but here are a few of my favourite ways to extend their life:

 

1. Storage Solutions

Use plastic mailers to store seasonal items like holiday decorations, craft supplies, or out-of-season clothes. They’re lightweight, flexible, and protect against dust and moisture.

2. Packing Material

Cut up plastic mailers to use as padding when you’re shippingdelicate items. It’s a simple way to give them a second life while keeping your packages safe.

3. On the Go Bags

Keep a few in your car for messy emergencies—like wet swimsuits, muddy shoes, or leaky bottles.

4. Craft Materials 

Hello Saturday has opted for fun colourful bags making them perfect for cutting up and creating 

My favourite quote about sustainability is from Anne-Marie Bonneau ‘We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly’. Every little choice you can make to choose to reduce, reuse and recycle matters.