The internet has changed the way we shop. People are spending more time buying products online and less time in the retail stores. The packaging used to ship these items usually consists of a cardboard box with foam "peanuts" that are used to cushion the product and prevent damage. These peanuts are useful because they lightweight, but strong enough protect whatever is inside. The problem is traditional peanuts are made of foam which takes a very long time to break down. The good news is that traditional foam peanuts are becoming a thing of the past. Most large retailers, like Bloomingdales, use peanuts made from pure corn and potato starch. These new kind of peanuts break down in water within 9 minutes!

So next time you're buying online look to see if there is an option to have your purchase shipped using biodegradable packaging. Biodegradable packaging consists of recycled cardboard and biodegradable bubble wrap that decomposes into oxygen, water and food for microbes as soon as left outdoors in the elements. Boxes are composed of 70% post-consumer recycled materials so be sure to ask next time you shop.

THE FACTS

Packaging "peanuts" made from pure corn and potato starch break down in water within 9 minutes.