If you’ve ever unboxed an Urban Oreganics order and found it nestled in a flurry of lightweight packing peanuts, you might have paused.... a sustainable brand is using STYROFOAM packing peanuts?
It’s a great question—and one we’re proud to answer. The short version: the packing peanuts we use are 100% compostable, biodegradable, and plastic-free. They’re made from natural, renewable materials (typically corn or potato starch), and they break down completely with nothing harmful left behind. But beyond their eco-cred, they’re surprisingly fun, endlessly useful, and a small but mighty part of our low-waste packaging system.
Let's break it down.
What Are They Made Of?
Unlike traditional Styrofoam peanuts—which can linger in the environment for centuries—ours are made from plant starch. That means they’re non-toxic, dissolve in water, and are safe for people, pets, and the planet. You can even do the “sink test” if you’re curious: drop one in water and watch it melt away in seconds. (Kids love this trick.)
These peanuts are a far cry from petroleum-based alternatives. They don’t leach chemicals, and they break down in home compost systems, industrial composting, your backyard garden soil, or even a bowl of water. No special disposal process required.
Why We Use Them
At Urban Oreganics, our commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop at clean ingredients. It extends to every element of your order—from the glass jars to the kraft paper tape, and yes, even the packing peanuts.
These compostable fillers are:
- Lightweight and protective, reducing weight, damage (and waste) during shipping
- Non-toxic and home compostable
- Reusable, time and time again
- A playful, tactile experience for little ones—yes, even unboxing can be part of a mindful ritual
They allow us to ship your skincare safely without compromising our values. No bubble wrap. No plastic pillows. Just protective, planet-friendly materials that do their job and disappear without a trace.
How to Tell if They're Compostable or Styrofoam
Not sure which kind you’ve got? Don’t worry—once you know what to look for, it becomes second nature. Until then, here are a few easy ways to tell the difference:
1. The water test
The simplest way to know for sure: drop one in water.
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Compostable peanuts will dissolve almost immediately.
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Styrofoam peanuts will float and stay solid.
2. The texture
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Compostable peanuts feel slightly powdery or starchy and may even squeak a little when rubbed together.
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Styrofoam ones feel smoother, more rigid, and static-prone.
3. The smell
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Compostable versions can sometimes have a faint sweet or popcorn-like scent.
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Styrofoam usually has no smell or a light plastic odor.
4. The snap test
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Compostable peanuts often crumble or squish under pressure.
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Styrofoam ones tend to snap or break apart into smaller rigid pieces.
Once you’ve compared them a few times, you’ll be able to spot the difference at a glance. Until then, try the water trick—it's foolproof.
What to Do With Them
We always encourage reuse first. Here are a few ways to extend the life of your peanuts:
- Ship something yourself – Save them in a bin or paper bag for the next time you need to mail a package.
- Donate to a small local business – Many Etsy sellers, resellers, or boutiques will gladly take clean packaging materials off your hands.
- Post in a Buy Nothing group – Your neighborhood is likely full of small biz owners or families who ship regularly. One quick post and they’ll disappear fast.
- Get creative with your kids – Build sculptures, practice fine motor skills, or set up a sensory bin.
When you’re ready to dispose of them, compost is the way to go. You can toss them right into your home compost bin, or, if you don’t compost at home, place them in a yard waste or food scraps bin (check with your local composting rules to be sure). Or—especially fun for kids—run them under warm water and watch them dissolve.
A Gentle Reminder: The Most Sustainable Choice Is the One You Reuse.
We choose packaging materials intentionally, with reusability in mind. Before you toss, ask yourself: Can I give this another life? Whether it’s repurposing or refilling our glass jars, or sharing our packing peanuts, help us close the loop.
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Let us know how you reuse the compostable peanuts from your Urban Oreganics orders—we’d love to share your ideas with our community!
