Why We Choose Paper over plastic: The Story Behind Our Sustainable Packaging

At The Red Squirrel, every gift we send out tells two stories. The first is the joy of the carefully chosen item inside—whether it's a literary-inspired seeds, a hand-poured scented candle, or a colourful rucksack. The second story? It's about how that gift arrives at your door.

We're proud to say that our packaging is made from paper and cardboard, and today we want to share why this simple choice matters so much to us—and hopefully to you too.

The Problem with Traditional Packaging

Traditionally when you would open a package and you'll likely find a pile of plastic bubble wrap, polystyrene chips, all destined for the bin. The UK alone produces over 2 million tons of plastic packaging waste each year, and much of it comes from online shopping.

As a small, independent gift shop in Carlisle, we knew from day one that we didn't want to contribute to that problem. Every order that leaves our shop—whether it's heading across Cumbria or across the ocean to Australia, New Zealand, or North America—needed to reflect our values: thoughtful, sustainable, and kind to the planet.

Why Cardboard Makes Sense

Cardboard isn't just a practical choice—it's the right choice. Here's why we've committed to using paper and cardboard packaging for all our online orders:

1. It's Recyclable and Biodegradable

Unlike plastic packaging that can take hundreds of years to break down, cardboard and paper is fully recyclable and biodegradable. Your local council can collect it with your household recycling, or if it ends up in landfill, it will naturally decompose without leaving harmful microplastics behind.

2. It's Made from Renewable Resources

Most cardboard is made from wood pulp sourced from sustainably managed forests. Many cardboard manufacturers also use recycled content, which means the box your purchase will arrive in, might have had a previous life as a cereal box or a shipping carton.

3. It Protects Your Gifts Beautifully

Don't let its eco-credentials fool you—cardboard is tough. We use sturdy cardboard boxes and protective cardboard honeycomb to ensure your jewellery, mugs, candles, and craft kits arrive in perfect condition. We've shipped delicate items across continents, and our cardboard packaging has proven itself time and time again.

4. It's Reusable

Once you've unwrapped your order, that cardboard box doesn't have to go straight into the recycling bin. Use it for storage, craft projects, or even to send a gift of your own. We love the idea of our packaging having a second (or third!) life in your home.

Our Packaging Process

Every order at The Red Squirrel is packed with care. Here's what goes into preparing your purchase:

• Choosing the Right Box: We select appropriately sized cardboard boxes to minimize waste and ensure your items fit snugly without excessive void fill.

• Protective Wrapping: Delicate items are wrapped in tissue paper and/or additional paper hive wrap—no plastic bubble wrap in sight.

• Secure Sealing: We use paper tape wherever possible, making the entire package fully recyclable from top to bottom.

• Thoughtful Presentation: Because even sustainable packaging can be beautiful, we add small touches that make opening your order feel special.

• Our greetings cards contain NO PLASTIC and are FSC Certified

The Bigger Picture

Choosing cardboard packaging is just one part of our commitment to running The Red Squirrel responsibly. As a small, owner-operated shop, every decision we make has an impact—on our community in Carlisle, on our customers across the UK and internationally, and on the environment we all share.

We want every aspect of your experience with us—from browsing our shelves on a Tuesday morning to unwrapping a package at home—to feel good. 

What You Can Do

When your order from The Red Squirrel arrives, we hope you'll:

• Recycle the cardboard through your local council's recycling scheme

• Reuse the box for storage, crafts, or sending your own gifts

• Compost small pieces of plain cardboard if you have a garden compost bin

• Share your unboxing on social media and tag us @theredsquirrelgifts—we love seeing our packaging in action!

Small Changes, Big Impact

We know that one small gift shop in Cumbria can't solve the global packaging crisis alone. But we believe that small, intentional choices add up. Every cardboard box we send instead of a plastic mailer is a tiny step toward a more sustainable future.

And when you choose to shop with us—whether you're popping into our Carlisle shop on a Thursday afternoon or ordering online New Zealand —you're part of that change too.

Thank You for Supporting Sustainable Shopping

Our cardboard packaging might seem like a small detail, but it represents something bigger: a commitment to doing things differently, even when it's not the easiest or cheapest option.

So the next time you receive a package from us, take a moment to appreciate that humble cardboard box. It's travelled from our shop to your door, protecting something special inside, and it's done it all without harming the planet.

That's a story worth telling.

Shop Sustainably with The Red Squirrel

Ready to experience our eco-friendly packaging for yourself? Browse our full range of contemporary gifts, from quirky pin badges and literary bookmarks to scented candles and craft kits, at www.theredsquirrel.co.uk.

Enjoy free UK shipping on orders over £10, or visit us in person at our Carlisle shop Tuesday to Thursday, 9am–5pm (9am - 7pm on Wednesdays) and select weekends 9am–4pm (see our facebook page).

Follow our journey on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest @theredsquirrelgifts for updates on new products, behind-the-scenes stories, and more sustainable shopping tips.

Because every gift should feel good—inside and out.