Plastic Free July: How I’m Reducing Single-Use Plastics at The Origami Boutique
Why Packaging Matters in Sustainable Businesses
As a maker and small business owner, I’ve always believed that beautiful things shouldn’t cost the Earth — and this Plastic Free July, I’m strengthening my commitment to reduce single-use plastics across The Origami Boutique.
From day one, sustainability has been at the heart of what I do. I hand make origami flowers, jewellery, and paper art from recycled paper whenever possible. In fact, many of my pieces are made using repurposed books that have reached the end of their life — giving them a second chance to be loved, instead of ending up in the bin.
But sustainability doesn’t stop at materials. One of the biggest challenges for any product-based business — especially one that sells online like mine — is packaging. Protecting delicate items like glass baubles, framed art, or the flowers add on glass bottles for safe delivery is essential. Unfortunately, this often leads to the widespread use of plastic bubble wrap, which is harmful to the environment and largely non-recyclable.
That’s why I made a decision back in 2020 to stop buying new bubble wrap altogether. Since then, I’ve relied entirely on reused packaging materials, collecting lightly used bubble wrap from parcels I receive or sourcing it locally from neighbours who would otherwise throw it away. It’s a small act, but it means I’m not adding more plastic into circulation — and my customers still receive their fragile items safely.
This July, I’m continuing that mission because sustainability shouldn’t be a quiet act.
If you’re a fellow small business owner, I encourage you to take a look at your packaging setup. Could you switch to cardboard boxes or paper tape? Could you ask your local community for clean packing materials instead of buying new? These small shifts make a real difference — and our customers really do notice.
And if you’re a client you can help too! If you have clean bubble wrap, boxes, or tissue paper at home, consider offering them up in community groups or directly to small businesses like mine. It’s a simple but powerful way to keep materials in use and reduce waste — and we appreciate it more than you know.
Want to take it a step further? You can join millions of others around the world and make your own Plastic Free July pledge. Whether you choose to avoid single-use packaging, target takeaway items like cups and straws, or go completely plastic-free, every action counts.
Take the challenge here
This month, I’m continuing to do what I believe in: make with care, ship with intention, and keep learning how to tread more lightly. Every step counts — and every parcel sent sustainably is part of the bigger picture.
Let’s lead by example. Let’s show that small businesses can be a big part of the solution — not just this Plastic Free July, but all year round.
