Farmgirl Packaging: How I Created A (Nearly) Zero Waste Company

Every piece of packaging used by Farmgirl Forever is intentionally chosen. I am committed to supporting sustainable packaging suppliers, and use packaging only when necessary. I know that it has cost me business through the years because my containers may not be as flashy or colorful as others. Plus it has cost me sales because it does cost more to buy an eco-friendly container, and therefore has a higher price point. But I am still committed to our original values. I will not package product unnecessarily or in a container that will end up in a landfill. 

So...what do we package product in? Glass, aluminum, cardboard or...nothing. The soaps and bath bombs have no packaging, because they can stand on their own. Sadly, the biggest pushback I get over this policy is from other soapers. They can't fathom not wrapping their soaps, and even hold contests to see who can create the best packaging. Often the results are complicated, completely unnecessary boxes, ribbons, plastics, buttons and tags. I'm sorry, but....it's a bar of soap, not a scrapbook. 

The lip balms are packaged in lightweight cardboard tubes that not only are 100% biodegradable (or recyclable), but are also many times larger than the average tube - so you use less of them! 

Farmgirl Forever's balms and scrubs are purposely packaged in the same 4 oz. glass containers. So once you have used up all of your balm or scrub, you have the option of either reusing it for a home project or recycling it. If you see me at an event during the year, please bring your empty jars back to me! They can be sterilized and refilled (and you'll receive not only a great big smile & a thank you - I'll also give you a discount ;) ). Because all of our jars are identical, there are more options for projects (i.e. spice rack; office organization) that will require less time to save up empty jars. We recognize that, yes, plastic takes fewer resources to create and also to recycle. However, glass is studier, more likely to be repurposed (even by those who "don't recycle"), and can be recycled an infinite number of times because it doesn't break down in the same way that plastic does. Plus, purely as a personal preference, I feel glass is a whole lot more attractive. 

How can you help? 

1. Be sure to reuse or return all of your used jars - this is an important step of the cycle that we depend on you for. 

2. Continue to support Farmgirl Forever and other zero waste companies that are making as little footprint as possible on the environment. 

3. Try out a little zero wasting in your own home. I'll talk more about this in future blog posts, but Google has plenty of ideas in the meantime to get you started. 

Near-zero waste is possible, with a little creativity and intentionality. The land, seas, and the animals that live in both will thank you for every effort. Keep them in mind when you go about your week, and see how much waste you can avoid. 

Have you tried zero waste living? Or made steps to reduce the amount of garbage your household produces? Leave a comment below with your best ideas - we all can help each other use less and less each day.