Are You Prepared for Your Next Trip?

Now that fall is finally here (I swear summer seems to last longer and longer each passing year), I’ve seen quite an uptick in my mood and productivity. I don’t know if it’s the weather cooling off, meaning I’m not nearly as sweaty or hot as summer. But I do know that I’ve been happier and a lot more chill than usual. I think another reason is because I’m genuinely excited to be outside in nature enjoying wildlife and the woods instead of feeling like it’s always a sauna and I need to stay in shade.

Because of that, I’ve been camping a lot more lately. Perhaps it’s the hiking I truly enjoy the most, since the physical exertion isn’t nearly as exhausting as it would be in summer. Nonetheless, those hiking and camping trips have needed a bit of planning and packing, and one thing I swear by during my trips is taking a few extra shipping supplies. Whether it’s things like cardboard or just basic items, I’ve always found use out of these supplies when I’m in the great outdoors. Read on to check out some other materials that are quite useful when camping.

Sharpies

Honestly, packing tape is so versatile for a slew of things. I think everyone should have their camping gear labeled with their name and phone number on it in the off chance that something happens, and so using sharpies on your gear helps to prevent your stuff from being misplaced, stolen, or even lost in general. And if your friends have similar looking gear, it helps to prevent them from accidentally taking yours.

Packing tape

This is likely another example of common shipping supplies among many people who camp, but I often find my trash bags getting minor tears in them while I’m out on a trip. This oftentimes occurs because of raccoons. So, having some tape to patch them up and keep them useable for the weekend can be quite useful. And if you’ve got any extra food leftover from cooking dinner and want it bagged up but don’t have rubber bands or clips, tape comes in handy in a pinch.

All these trips require is a little bit of planning, packing, and forethought. Make sure you’re covered in a variety of scenarios so that you have exactly what’s needed in the off chance that something goes awry while you’re out in the elements and subject to nature. The more you’re prepared, the more use you’ll get out of a wide variety of materials and gear.

Creating Great Christmas Cards

Christmas is only a week away, and if you are behind on getting those Christmas cards sent out, do not worry! Getting Christmas cards sent out can be a stressful and overwhelming task, even stressful to a point where a lot of people have stopped sending them out. But do not think like this, as grandma and those random aunts you never talk to anymore still want to see your face! In this article we walk through some quick and easy tips for how to make sending out Christmas cards an easy and painless process.

Tip 1: Take your picture in July.

This is the best time to take a picture, as by now hopefully you have gotten some time outside and are starting to get that sun-tanned look that makes pictures look extra great. If you take the photo six months out as well, then you have plenty of time to take it and edit it and get it submitted well before December. It is also easier to organized the family and get the kids all bought in when you take the photo on a random summer night in July instead of a cold, stressful day before Christmas.

Tip 2: Write a small jingle.

People love turning that beautiful family photo over and getting to read a witty and funny jingle on the back of the card. Some ideas for how to write could be finding words that rhyme with your last name, or writing the words in a stanza that could be sung to a popular Christmas song. Have fun with this and let your creativity really shine through! We recommend keeping this jingle to about four to five lines and making it about five to ten seconds to read. This is the perfect addition to brighten peoples’ days and to remind them of how witty you are!

Tip 3: Prepare to send out

Dedicating some time to gathering the packaging supplies you want to use is really important. Ask yourself questions like, “what type of envelope do I want to use?” , “What type of stamps do I need to buy?” and, “Do I have everyone’s address?” are all going to be critical for you to think through ahead of time and prepare for. Visit a craft store like Michaels in early December to hunt and gather everything you need. Usually craft stores have great Christmas sales going on and this is a great way to take care of something basic like your packaging supplies. Put everything together and you are ready to go by the middle of December, stress-free!

5 Secret Santa Ideas for Your Holiday Office Party

Whether you’re having some holiday cheer with the coworkers, meeting up for dinner at someone’s place or out on the town, or even doing something small during your lunch break on a cold day in December, kicking back and enjoying the festivities with those you see 40 hours a week can be refreshing from the constant pace of the grind. I’m not sure about your office, but mine is definitely excited about this year’s gift exchange and office party.

If you do happen to be doing a gift exchange at your office, consider replenishing your coworkers’ office and packagingsupplies. These make wonderful gifts to coworkers in your office without you having to think of something truly special and tailored to them.

Computer mouse.

A classic go-to in the office, having a new computer mouse is something welcome. I always suggest going for the wired mice because it eliminates any chance of lag on screen. However, some people might like the freedom a wireless mouse offers, so either would work well enough. You can even get a cheap mouse pad to throw in with it in case your coworkers don’t have their own at the ready.

Desk organizer.

You’ve seen these things before. The plastic (or sometimes wooden) pen holders that also function as an organizer for things like sticky notes, white out, extra staples, paper clips, and whatever other random assortment of things you may use in the office. These things can look quite nice, too, even for cheap. A lot of my coworkers’ desks are quite barren, so I know this would look great on their desk as a little space filler.

Fountain pen.

While the other items on this list aren’t as spendy, you can never go wrong gifting a nice fountain pen, especially if it’s to your boss. Whether you drew their name out of the hat or are just feeling generous, fountain pens are a sign of class and remain as a timeless staple to a refined business person’s desk.

Stapler.

Consider this the step up from the tape dispenser. Heavier duty, classier, and just as (or possibly more) useful, the stapler is a desk essential. You don’t even have to ask around to see who has one and who doesn’t; if one of your coworkers’ desks are bare of a stapler, they couldn’t deny that this was a need for their office if you were to get this for them.

Stop Wasting Money Shipping

Have you ever packed an order, printed the label, and then noticed the shipping cost was higher than expected?

Many small businesses lose money this way. The product is priced right. The sale feels good. But the shipping bill eats into the profit. The hidden reason is often the packaging supplies being used.

The wrong box size can quietly raise your cost. Carriers measure space, not just weight. A large box with lots of empty air may cost more to ship than a smaller one packed tightly. It is like paying for an extra seat on a plane that no one sits in. The space still counts.

Using the right size box is one of the easiest ways to save money. When the box fits the item closely, there is less empty room. That means less filler is needed. It also means the total size stays smaller, which can lower the shipping rate.

Weight matters too.

Heavy materials add up fast. Thick boxes are important for fragile or heavy products, but not every item needs the strongest option available. If you are shipping lightweight items like clothing or small accessories, a padded mailer might work better than a full box. It protects the item while keeping the total weight down.

Think of it like choosing shoes for a walk. You would not wear steel boots to stroll down the sidewalk. The right tool depends on the job.

Tape choice also plays a role.

Weak tape can split open during transit. When that happens, carriers may re-tape the box or mark it as damaged. This can lead to delays or even lost items. Strong sealing tape keeps the box closed from start to finish. It does not have to be fancy. It just has to hold firm.

Another area where money slips away is filler. Some people use too much packing paper or bubble wrap because they are afraid of damage. While protection is important, overstuffing a box increases weight and size. The goal is balance. The item should not move, but it should not be buried under layers it does not need.

Testing can help here. Pack an item the way you normally would. Close the box. Gently shake it. If nothing shifts inside, you likely have enough filler. If you hear movement, add just a bit more. This simple step can prevent both damage and waste.

There is also the issue of returns.

When packaging fails, products come back. Each return costs time, money, and effort. The shipping fee is paid again. The item may not be sellable. Good packaging supplies reduce this risk. They protect not only the product but also the profit.

Sustainability is another factor to consider. Many customers prefer materials that can be recycled. Using recyclable boxes and paper-based fillers can lower waste and align with customer values. This does not always mean spending more. Often, simple paper options work just as well as plastic fillers.

Choosing packaging supplies is not about grabbing whatever is cheapest. It is about finding the right match for your product. Ask simple questions. Is it fragile? Is it heavy? Is it soft? Does it need protection from moisture? The answers guide your choices.

When packaging supplies are chosen wisely, shipping becomes smoother. Costs become more predictable. Returns become less common. Customers receive their orders in good condition.

In the end, smart packaging is less about spending and more about thinking. A well-sized box, the right amount of filler, and strong tape can protect both your product and your bottom line.

Cheap Packaging Is Never Cheap

Most businesses think they save money by buying the cheapest packaging supplies they can find. On paper, it looks smart. Lower cost per box. Lower cost per roll of tape. Lower cost per shipment.

In reality, cheap packaging almost always costs more.

When packaging fails, everything else breaks with it. Boxes collapse. Tape splits. Items arrive damaged. And the savings disappear fast once refunds, replacements, and customer complaints start piling up.

Customers don’t separate the product from the packaging. They see them as one experience. If the box shows up crushed or sloppy, it doesn’t matter how good the item inside is. The damage is already done.

Cheap packaging supplies create hidden problems. Thin cardboard bends under pressure. Low-grade tape loses its grip in heat or cold. Weak cushioning shifts during transit and leaves items exposed. Each issue increases the chance of something going wrong.

Shipping carriers are rough on packages. Boxes get stacked, dropped, and pushed down conveyor belts. Packaging has to survive all of it. If supplies aren’t built for that environment, they won’t last long.

When damage happens, customers rarely blame shipping. They blame the seller for poor packaging. One bad delivery can undo months of good service and marketing.

Quality packaging supplies reduce risk. Strong boxes hold their shape even under weight. Proper cushioning absorbs shock instead of passing it along. Reliable tape stays sealed from pickup to delivery. Everything works together to protect the shipment.

There’s also a speed factor most people overlook. Cheap boxes are often harder to assemble. Tape that won’t stick needs to be reapplied. Fill that doesn’t hold requires extra adjustment. All of that slows down fulfillment.

Time matters in packing operations. A few extra seconds per order adds up fast. Quality supplies help teams move quickly and consistently without fighting the materials.

Returns are one of the biggest silent costs in ecommerce. Each return includes shipping, labor, restocking, and lost opportunity. Many of those returns begin with packaging failure, not product defects.

Good packaging supplies reduce returns by keeping products safe the first time. They help orders arrive clean, intact, and ready to use. That alone justifies the investment.

There’s also the issue of brand perception. Sloppy packaging looks careless. Torn edges, peeling tape, and crushed corners send a message that details don’t matter. That perception sticks.

Strong packaging sends the opposite signal. It shows professionalism. It shows preparation. It shows respect for the customer’s order.

The goal of packaging supplies isn’t to impress. It’s to perform. When supplies do their job quietly and reliably, customers don’t think about them at all. And that’s exactly what you want.

Cheap packaging may look good on an invoice. But when shipments fail, the true cost shows up everywhere else.

That’s why smart businesses choose packaging supplies that work, not just ones that look affordable.

Ready for the next one whenever you are.

2020 Was A Crazy Year

Unless you have been living under a rock over the past 12 months or so, then you will understand what I mean by the title of this article; now I am not a very old person, in fact I am in what most people consider the prime of my life. However, I have never experienced as crazy of a year as I have in 2020. Most people were completely caught off guard when this whole COVID pandemic thing started, myself included. I was still in college at the time, and I can remember back to when I first started hearing about the virus back in early 2020. I first heard about it being an issue in China and that they were watching it slowly spread to other parts of the world. I definitely thought it was going to be another H1N1 or Ebola virus type issue, where people were way too hysteric about something that did not have a huge impact on most of the world. However, I watched as COVID slowly made its way to the United States (I think the first case was in Seattle?), and before I knew it, things were shutting down one after the other. I realized it was serious when the NCAA canceled March Madness for the year, and various Universities were shutting down left and right.

I was sent home in mid March from my University, where we were forced to finish the semester online. It was such a crazy end to the year, and honestly not what I wanted for 2020 at all. But all things considered, I had a pretty good summer in 2020. I worked for the company called Shipt, where I made really good money going grocery shopping for rich people that were too scared of the virus to be seen in a Meijer - I don’t really blame them, I just didn’t really have a choice to not work and try to make money. I also got to hangout with a lot of my old highschool friends again (socially distanced of course) which was nice because a lot of us probably would have been spread out around the midwest if it had not been for COVID. So all in all, my summer wasn’t really negatively impacted by the pandemic, but it definitely made my summer look a lot different than what I was planning. 

I spent a lot of time inside my house as well, playing video games and playing guitar. Those were basically my two main hobbies over the course of the COVID summer - those and reading. I spent a lot of time ordering products online as well. Since most stores were closed down for an extended period of time, it was hard to find some stuff in stores. Especially because people were panic-buying a lot of products, some things just could only be found online. Honestly, I really get annoyed with people that begin mass purchasing certain products, because this just creates problems for everyone else. We see it happen with gas all the time, especially a couple weeks ago. 

Anyways, since I spent so much time ordering stuff online, I began to amass a large amount of packing supplies in my garage. So I had to take several trips to the recycling center to get rid of cardboard boxes, packages, and packing supplies that had accumulated on my property. 

The Impact Paper and Plant Based Packaging Have on the World

We’ve talked plenty of times about the problems that bad packaging has, especially with the overly abundant usage of land, and the environmental effects that this has on the habitats. However, there are a lot of factors that do play a larger role, so it’s important to look at the overall state of things, to get a picture for where environmental sustainability plays a role in things. 

A lot of plant-based packaging might seem like a good alternative, especially when you’re comparing the plastic and other pollutant packaging. But keep in mind that there are some factors that you need to bear in mind when you’re looking to meet the demands people have on your packaging. 

The crops do need land to grow, and the land is definitely finite. A lot of times, people don’t realize how much crops need to grow to create hemp, corn, and bamboo, in order to meet those demands that the market has. 

There’s also demands that can be taken away from different industries that these same crops come from. If you rely on just plant-based options, it may create more problems than good.

A lot of agricultural practices like too many pesticides, fertilization and monoculture are a problem for the soil health. With the demand growing, there then needs to be more land given to each of these demands. 

The problem with industrial farms 

There’s a lot of new farmland that’s created through these natural habitats, and other forests that were once left untouched. The destruction of a habitat is the biggest threat to all animals, and the growth of the farmland isn’t helping all of this. The plants and animals do need some space to live, breed and then grow.   When the space becomes insufficient  and endangered, it results in a drastic plummet of the population, which can be irreversible in some cases. 

Even just the loss of some of the untouched soil creates a huge environmental impact. 

One example of this is corn. Corn is now used for bioplastics, rather than mere food, and increases this demand. With corn being grown exclusively in America, it’s something that we need a lot of land for. 

The prairies and grass plains help with this, but the problem is that the untouched soil gets rid of the carbon emission, and depending on your location, it stores different carbon amounts, removing a quarter of the fossil fuels that are there. 

With almost half of your land supporting that the soil loses a ton of carbon, and monoculture planting doesn’t really replace it. 

The same goes with bamboo and sugarcane.   What you need to do is make sure to monitor and ethically perform these. 

There’s a lot of monitoring that goes into this, something that not enough people know about. 

So what’s the solution? How do you fix this ongoing issue? 

Knowing the Source 

The best thing to do is to make sure that you’re aware of the environment. Talk with the suppliers, to make sure that the materials are coming from ethical locations. 

If it’s sourced from farmlands that border on endangered habitats, that’s a huge red flag. If the supplier won’t tell you where it’s coming from, definitely get a new supplier.   Definitely keep an eye out on things, and how it works across the board. 

Don't be afraid to frequent the water and energy audits to make sure that you’re using the energy well. 

Recycle as much as you can, because it eliminates a lot of this. Finally, renewable energies are easy to source.