Recycling & Environment

Asking For Trouble cares about the environment - here's all the information about my packaging and shipping, and what can be recycled and re-used.

recycling guide

In 2018 I started changing to more eco-friendly packaging and shipping materials, and in less than a year, I removed almost all single-use plastic from customer orders. Most of my packaging is now recyclable, or re-used, and I've created a list below for you to refer to.

There is no perfect solution and I'm only a tiny business compared to Amazon but I'm always trying to improve and appreciate all feedback and suggestions.

ECO-FRIENDLY MANUFACTURING

  • All my wooden pins/brooches are made in the UK from responsibly sourced wood.
  • All my laser cutting is done in the UK with small businesses and I have started to use recycled acrylic where available.
  • Paper-based products are made in the UK or EU and use recycled paper whenever possible.
  • All product listings now include this information

INFORMATION FROM THE MANUFACTURERS

Wooden Brooches/Pins: All the wood that we use comes from sustainable, responsibly managed woodlands. We only ever use fast-growing species of trees like Birch, Maple, Cherry and Walnut as these are the most sustainable. These woods are removed at the rate of their growth which means that the woodlands, from which they originate will retain their supply and characters indefinitely.

Acrylic Keyrings: Made from 100% recycled acrylic that was destined for landfill and incineration. It looks and performs as well as standard virgin acrylic whilst being VOC and HFC free.

SHIPPING

  • The majority of orders are shipped in cardboard boxes or envelopes using paper tape so you can recycle the whole thing as paper if you can't re-use them.
  • Aida fabric orders are packaged in waterproof mailing bags which can be recycled as plastic.
  • I only ship with Royal Mail to support workers' rights and reduce courier travel in my rural area. The delivery office is a short walk away and I know all my local postal workers (and they definitely know me!).
  • I re-use bubble wrap, plastic grip seal bags and boxes received in deliveries for customer and wholesale orders. Please re-use them again if possible.
  • Shipping labels are printed using thermal ink.

PACKAGING

  • None of my products are packaged in plastic (with the exception of some items that are already packaged).
  • When possible, no packaging is used and gift wrap, cards etc. are sent 'naked'
  • Where packaging is required, I use paper bags, paper envelopes, translucent glassine bags and backing cards, all of which can be recycled as paper.
  • Occasionally I re-use non-recyclable packaging I have received. Please try to re-use it again.
  • Promotional flyers etc. are printed in the UK on recycled paper.

RECYCLING GUIDE

  • Please check locally for recycling guidelines as they can differ across the UK and internationally.
  • Mail boxes, envelopes, tape, paper bags, translucent bags, backing cards, flyers, business cards and stickers can all be recycled as paper. Mailing bags can be recycled as plastic. Please try to re-use the boxes and bags instead of recycling.
  • Clear plastic grip seal bags and bubble wrap cannot be recycled but are already re-used from my own deliveries (I have never paid for bubble wrap!). Please try to use them again before discarding.

FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS

  • Dispatch notes are currently included in all orders, for your information and to help me pack the correct items (and are required by Not on the High Street). I hope to find a way to remove or reduce the size of these.
  • Wholesale orders still often require plastic packaging to prevent damage from display and handling. I am working with my stockists to find solutions.
  • I hope to change as many products and promotional items to use recycled materials

STILL GOT QUESTIONS?

Email me at askingfortroubleshop@gmail.com and I'll find the answer for you. I'm also happy to give general advice to other artists & makers if you're trying to make changes but I'm not an expert.