Reuse

Thank you for shopping with us! At our shop, we strive to minimize any negative impact our products may have on the environment or in any other way. As a customer, we believe you share our concern and would like to do your part as well. Here are a few ways you can contribute to the solution instead of the problem.

How to reuse our packaging

Whenever possible, we avoid using plastic in our packaging and instead opt for paper bag mailers and wrapping paper. Our packaging products are not only eco-friendly, but also sturdy enough to protect your order and durable enough to be easily reused. We've come up with some creative ways you can give our packaging a new life and reuse it.

Please note that some of the suggestions below require a little more effort, so don't feel any pressure to follow them. You're doing great just by trying to find solutions.

The packaging materials for your order may vary depending on the item. If you don't see your packaging materials listed, stay creative and curious, and always prioritize reusing them. If you have a unique and creative idea for reusing the materials, please share it with us.

Finally, check out our dedicated Pinterest board for more ideas and step-by-step reuse guides.

  • Use them for Shipping

    The most obvious way to reuse our mailer bags is for shipping items yourself. If you need to send a package, you can reuse a paper bag mailer instead of buying a new one. We specifically choose mailers with double tape to encourage reusing at least once. Just remove any old labels or addresses before using it, stick a new one and you’re good to go.

    Use them for Storage

    Paper bag mailers can be used to store a variety of items. They are great for storing paperwork, photographs, and craft supplies. You can also use them to store small items like jewelry, buttons, and other small accessories. If you have a collection of items that need to be organized, paper bag mailers are a great solution.

    Use them for Crafts

    Paper bag mailers can be used for a variety of crafts. You can cut them up to use as gift tags or bookmarks. You can also decorate them with paint, markers, or stickers to make custom envelopes. The possibilities are endless, and paper bag mailers are a great way to get creative.

    Compost them

    If you have a compost bin, you can compost paper bag mailers instead of throwing them away. Make sure to remove any plastic or tape before composting. Paper bag mailers are biodegradable, so they will break down quickly and won’t harm the environment. Composting is an easy way to reduce waste and help the planet.

  • Compostable mailers are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic mailers. These mailers are designed to break down in a compost environment, making them a great choice for environmentally conscious businesses or individuals. However, once you receive a compostable mailer, what can you do with it? Here are some tips on how to reuse compostable mailers:

    1. Use Them for Shipping

    Just because a mailer has been used once doesn't mean it's no longer useful. If you have a compostable mailer that is still in good condition, consider reusing it for shipping purposes. Remove any labels or markings and reuse the mailer for your own shipments.

    2. Turn Them into Gift Bags

    Compostable mailers can easily be turned into gift bags. Cut off the top of the mailer, punch a few holes along the top edge, and thread a ribbon or string through the holes. You can then use the bag for gift-giving or for storing small items.

    3. Use Them as Planting Pots

    Compostable mailers can also be used as planting pots. Simply fill the mailer with soil and plant your seeds or seedlings directly into the mailer. As the plant grows, the mailer will break down and become part of the soil.

    4. Compost Them

    Of course, the most obvious way to reuse a compostable mailer is to compost it. If you have a compost pile or bin, simply add your mailer to the pile. It will break down over time and become part of your compost.

  • If you've ordered from évaco art, you may have received a mailer bag with your purchase. This mailer is made of 80% recycled materials and can be recycled wherever plastic is accepted. Before recycling, consider reusing the bag to extend its lifespan.

    1. Use it as an Envelope

    If you need to send a card or letter, but don't have any envelopes on hand, a mailer bag can do the trick. Simply fold the bag in half, trim the edges to size, and seal it with tape or stickers.

    2. Use it for Padding

    Cut the mailer bag into small pieces and use it as padding for packages or boxes. This can help protect fragile items during shipping or storage.

    3. Use it as a Cover

    Use the mailer bag as a cover for books or notebooks to protect them from scratches and wear. You can also use it as a mat for messy activities like painting or cooking.

    4. Decorate it

    Get creative and decorate the mailer bag! You can use markers, stickers, or even paint to give it a new look. Then, use it as a gift bag or wrapping paper.

    5. Use it as a Template

    Use the mailer bag as a template for cutting out shapes or patterns for crafts. This is a great way to reuse the material and get creative at the same time.

    6. Use it as a Liner

    Use the mailer bag as a liner for plant pots to retain moisture and protect surfaces. This is especially useful if you have plants that require a lot of water.

    7. Use it as a Cover for Furniture

    When moving or storing furniture, use the mailer bag as a temporary cover to protect it from scratches and dust.

    8. Use it as a Protective Sleeve

    Use the mailer bag as a protective sleeve for important documents or papers. This can help keep them safe and organized.

  • Shipping tubes are a great way to safely send original art and art prints to be protected from bending, folding, or creasing. However, once you receive your item, what do you do with the shipping tube? While recycling is an option, our first priority should always be to reuse and give new life to items before discarding them. Below are some suggestions for doing so.

    1. Organize Your Home

    Shipping tubes can be repurposed to help organize items in your home. For example, you can cut the tube into smaller pieces and use them to organize cords, cables, or even Christmas lights. Cut the tubes to fit pens and pencils, and decorate them to package homemade gifts such as cookies or a bottle of flower water. Cut them into small pieces to organize small items in your drawers, such as small scarves, underwear, or miscellaneous items.

    2. Protect Your Garden

    Shipping tubes can also be used to protect your garden. Cut the tube into smaller pieces and use them as plant protectors. They can shield small plants from strong winds, heavy rain, or bright sunlight. You can also use them as seed starters by cutting them into sections and filling them with soil.

    3. Create Fun Crafts

    Shipping tubes can be the perfect material for fun crafts and DIY projects. You can use them to make cardboard boats, binoculars, or even a castle. By painting or decorating them with stickers, you can turn them into unique pieces of art that your children will love. This can be a great way to spend quality time with your kids while teaching them about recycling and creativity.

    4. Donate to Local Schools or Art Programs

    Shipping tubes can be incredibly useful for art teachers and students. You can donate them to your local schools or art programs for use in art projects or to transport artwork. By doing so, you’ll be able to support your community and help foster creativity and learning in children.

  • If you've ordered a silk scarf or an item from our gift shop, it probably came wrapped in paper with additional product information. Our intention is for you to either keep this paper or reuse it in any way, rather than throwing it away immediately. The materials we use may vary from tissue paper to canvas or cotton paper, so consider the suggestions below as applicable.

    Frame as art

    One part of the paper is used for instructional purposes, while the other is hand-painted or printed for aesthetic purposes. To display the paper, simply frame it and hang it on your wall. If the paper is too creased, iron it on a low temperature with a cloth on top to protect it.

    Use as Protective Wrap

    Use as a gift wrap to pack fragile items such as glassware, ceramics, and small electronics. Instead of using bubble wrap or packing peanuts, wrap the item in a few sheets of tissue paper and place it in a box. This will not only protect the item but also add a touch of elegance to the gift.

    Create Crafts

    As with the paper mailer above, the wrapping papers we use are either colorful or have an interesting texture (or both!) so they can be used to create various crafts such as paper flowers, pom-poms, and garlands. To create paper flowers, cut paper into different sizes and stack them on top of each other. Fold the stack accordion-style and tie a string around the middle. Then, cut the edges of both sides and fluff up the layers to create a flower. Similarly, pom-poms and garlands can be created using the same technique.

  • Seal a letter or small package

    If you opened your package without breaking the seal, you can easily reuse it for the same purpose. To do so, lightly melt the back of the wax seal and reseal the envelope or small package, like the one you received. Alternatively, you can use glue or tape to reseal it.

    Keep in a journal

    Use wax seals as decoration in your journal or scrapbook. The look of a wax seal can give any page a beautiful aesthetic reminiscent of another era. Enhance the appearance of your journal or notebook by simply sticking on a seal.

    Use in your candle making

    If you make your own candles, keep this seal along with other wax leftovers and melt them in a double boiler. You can create a double boiler by placing a small pot inside a larger pot filled with water. The small pot should be able to float in the water without touching the bottom of the larger pot. Once the wax has melted, remove the small pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Use any container you have on hand, such as mason jars or old candle jars. Place a wick in the center of the container and secure it in place using a wick holder. Then, pour the melted wax into the container and let it cool. You can experiment with different colors and scents by adding candle dye or essential oils to the melted wax before pouring it into the container.

    Make candle melts

    To make candle melts, first, melt the wax in a double boiler. Once the wax has melted, remove the small pot from the heat and add essential oils to the melted wax. Stir the mixture well until the dye or essential oils are fully incorporated. Then, pour the mixture into a mold, such as a silicone mold or a muffin tin. Let the wax cool and harden completely, then remove the candle melts from the mold and store them in a cool, dry place until ready to use. To use the candle melts, simply place one or two in a wax warmer and enjoy the fragrance.

    Other Uses for Reused Wax

    Besides creating new candles, there are other ways to reuse wax. You can use it to lubricate zippers, coat screws to prevent rust, or even make your own fire starters. To make fire starters, you will need to mix the melted wax with sawdust or dryer lint. Then, pour the mixture into a muffin tin and let it cool. Once it has hardened, you can remove the wax disks and use them as fire starters for your next camping trip.

Worst case scenario

If it all fails, simply recycle as you see fit. We can never be perfect and that’s ok!