Shipping Materials and Practices

Our Commitment to Thoughtful Shipping

At Alder & Alouette, caring for the Earth is part of how we choose, pack, and ship our products. We use lower-waste materials and practical reuse whenever possible, so each package reflects our respect for the natural world.

How We Pack Orders

Thoughtful Packaging

We use recyclable or compostable paper-based packaging for most orders. Depending on the product, this may include glassine bags, plant-based cellophane, recyclable kraft paper, tissue paper, hemp or jute twine, and paper tape.

Right-Sized Packages

We choose the smallest suitable box or mailer that will still protect the contents during transit. This helps reduce unnecessary packaging and dimensional shipping weight.

Reusing Materials

We gladly reuse clean boxes and packing materials received from our vendors. Your order may arrive in a box displaying another company’s branding. This simply means the box was sturdy enough to be given another useful journey.

Our Approach to Plastic

We rarely purchase plastic packing materials for general use. However, when clean plastic fill, air pillows, bags, or bubble wrap arrive with vendor shipments, we reuse them as needed for product protection rather than discard them.

Some suppliers use compostable materials such as plant-based cellophane or cornstarch packing peanuts, while others still use conventional plastic packaging. We reuse suitable materials whenever doing so safely extends their useful life.

We also use plastic bags when needed to meet carrier requirements for containing liquids and gels, including watercolor paint, glue, and instrument-care oils. 

Digital Order Documents

Order confirmations and receipts are generally sent by email to reduce unnecessary paper use. Printed documents are included only when needed.

If your order arrives without a packing slip, please refer to the order confirmation sent to your email address. If you need a printed order summary or invoice for reimbursement or recordkeeping, add a note at checkout and we will be happy to include one.

Why Reused Boxes Matter

We appreciate the usefulness of a twice-loved box. Reusing sturdy packaging helps reduce waste and makes better use of resources that have already been produced.

Clean cardboard boxes can also be reused at home for storage, crafts, shipping, or as a biodegradable weed barrier beneath mulch in garden beds.

Choosing a Shipping Method

When it works for your order and timeline, USPS Ground Advantage may be a practical lower-cost option. Because USPS already serves established residential delivery routes, some customers may prefer it as part of their own efforts to consolidate deliveries.

Available services, rates, and estimated delivery times are shown at checkout.

What You Can Do

If an item arrives in packaging supplied by its manufacturer, consider whether the material can be reused or recycled locally before discarding it.

Customers may also contact manufacturers directly to encourage reduced packaging and lower-waste alternatives. Thoughtful customer feedback can help companies understand which changes matter most.

Thank You

Thank you for supporting our small family business and joining us in making thoughtful use of the materials that pass through our hands.

With gratitude,
The Alder & Alouette Family