Guide to "Green" Packaging

Shopping bags and totes

Recycled shopping bags have come a long way from the simple Kraft paper models of yesteryear. These days, merchants can choose from recycled paper and plastic shopping bags and totes that have an upscale look and feel. Applying graphics and logos is no problem with these bags.

I recommend: For a variety of recycled retail shopping bags, go to EarthPack.com.

Food packaging

To-go containers, plates and coffee cups are dished out in the millions each year. Restaurants and other foodservice businesses can do their part for the environment with a variety of biodegradable packaging products.

I recommend: Find suppliers for foodservice packaging that's designed to biodegrade quickly at the Biodegradable Products Institute, or go to EarthShell.com.

Packing materials

If you have a mail-order business or an online retail operation and ship a lot of packages, consider converting to eco-friendly packing materials.

I recommend: EcoProducts.com offers a full line of boxes, tubes and bags. They even carry biodegradable peanuts.

Bottle packaging

With green packaging, bottles can showcase your brand and send a message to consumers that you care about the environment.

I recommend: NatureWorks' PLA Packaging, a 100 percent corn-based packaging product, is available for beverages, consumer goods, food packaging and serviceware.

Plastic packaging

Environmentalists have singled out plastic as a major offender. But it's viewed as a packaging necessity in many industries. Fortunately, innovative manufacturers are devising new ways to create packaging materials that aren't as harmful as plastic.

I recommend: Buckell.com manufactures thermoformed packaging using renewable materials for the retail, health and beauty, and food industries, among others. Its product line includes blister and clamshell packaging.

Industrial packaging

Manufacturing and other industrial businesses can do a lot to reduce waste and to minimize their impact on the earth.

I recommend: Sinlessbuying.com offers a line of paper products made from sugarcane fibers and plastic products made from starch-derived plastic, including industrial packaging, food packaging and even janitorial supplies.