10 ways to recycle padded envelopes

Melanie Kramers

02 May 2012

I've recently discovered the joys of internet clothes shopping. I know, I know - about eight years after everyone else. A lovely red jumper from eBay has helped me get over my worries about it being too easy to fritter away money without even leaving the house.

But with the fun of receiving parcels comes the issue of how to recycle padded envelopes. My new click-happy habit means they're starting to stack up.

The 100% paper ones can go in the recycling box. But not those containing bubble wrap - which is most of them.

Fortunately, the recycling ninjas at Friends of the Earth have helped me come up with plenty of ways to re-use Jiffy bags.

So here's my guide to recycling padded envelopes:

1. Reuse
   It's obvious, but saving envelopes and reusing them when you have to send a package can save a packet. You may never need to buy them again. Friends of the Earth envelope reuse labels are a great way to clearly write the new address.
2. Sell or give away
   Bundled together by the dozen, used padded envelopes are a popular bulk buy on Ebay. Offer them on your local Freecycle site, where they'll be snapped up fast, or give to family and friends who do lots of eBay selling.
3. Storage
   Make the most of that protective bubble wrap and use them to store fragile items such as Christmas tree decorations.
4. Insulation
   My colleague Rachel recommends cutting open envelopes and taping them round outdoor water pipes as cosy insulation to stop them freezing in winter. You can stick a whole one over the outdoor tap.
5. Knee pads
   Try wrapping a few envelopes in fabric or cardboard to make a comfortable cushion for your knees when gardening.
6. Homemade pots
   Cut down to size and filled with compost, Jiffy bags make a handy pot for growing seedlings before transplanting.
7. Kids' crafts
   Save them for any kids you know to use as an unusual spongy art canvas.
8. Drawer dividers
   Old envelopes make useful pockets for keeping things tidy within a drawer, from loose screws to buttons and elastic bands.
9. Cat cushions
   Apparently, some cats love snoozing on soft padded envelopes that don't tear when kneaded with sharp claws. My cat seems to prefer the ironing pile for naps, but see what your pet makes of it.
10. Packaging
    Even when really used and battered, there's still life in your old padded envelopes. Use them as protection for whatever you want to send, then pop the whole thing inside a normal envelope.

Melanie Kramers, Communications & Media team

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