8 Eco-Friendly Uses for All Those Online Shopping Boxes

Amazon Prime is a lifesaver, am I right? Unfortunately, it’s not much of a tree saver. Feel better about your online shopping addiction with these clever ways to reuse shipping boxes.

1. Compost It

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Instead of adding your cardboard to a landfill, use it to make compost. Then use the fresh dirt to grow your own delicious tomatoes. You’ll feel super self-sufficient, and those tomatoes? Best you’ve ever had. Ah, the circle of life!

2. Build a Box Fort

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Every parent knows that a giant box is the way to a small child’s heart. Put one of these bad boys together, and you’ll become the instant favorite. On a side note, we’re totally not judging if you’re building it for yourself.

3. Move Your Stuff

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This one might be somewhat obvious, but it seems like anytime someone moves, they’re always scrambling to find boxes. Do yourself a favor and stash away your shipping boxes, as well as your paper and bubble wrap. You’ll be glad you did when it’s time to pack up Grandma’s figurine collection for your next move.

4. Make a Shelving Unit

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You know what’s even cheaper than cheap? Free. Grab a few fasteners and create your very own shelves. They’re easy to build, easy to move, and easy to disassemble. Eat your heart out, Ikea

5. Gift It

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Gift boxes are surprisingly expensive, and they just get torn up and thrown away. Use an old shipping box instead. Your recipient won’t notice the difference, but your wallet will thank you.

6. Say Hi to a Friend

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Say it even better than Hallmark could with a homemade postcard! This is a great project to get the kids in on, too. Bust out your craft supplies, get to work, and make a friend’s day.

7. Design a Cat Bed

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Help Princess get her beauty sleep with a one-of-a-kind cat bed! Okay, we’ll admit that this one’s a bit extravagant, but you don’t have to go all out. Boxes are cat magnets regardless of how they're styled.

8. Donate to Charity

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Got extra stuff lying around? Box it up and bring it to your local Goodwill, or send it off (for free!) to a charitable organization. Declutter, save the planet, and help others—it’s the ultimate trifecta.