Our Packaging

Bridging Mind, Heart & Earth

We believe it is vitally important to create minimal impact on our environment. For this reason, almost all of the product packaging and materials we use fall into at least one of the following categories: made from reused/recycled materials, is reusable, recyclable or actually* compostable. We are always looking for the best available options.

Our definition of “the best option” is packaging and materials that are not only functional, but come from ethically sourced natural or reused/recycled materials, created in a way that reduces manufacturing waste and pollution, with ethical labor practices and has minimal chance of ending up in a landfill.

Most “compostable” packaging on the market right now, is not home compostable and only “commerically compostable.” However, most commerical composting facilities do not accept “commercially compostable” items and these items can not be recycled, therefore they end up in landfills and contribute to CO2 and methane emissions the same way other single use plastic products do. That is a whole lot of work, for a whole lot nothing, if you ask me.

This creates a huge dilemma for us. As of right now we are unable to find hot and cold to-go cups for our Elixir Bar that won’t just end up in a landfill. For this reason, until we can find a better option, we have decided to use single use cups that are recyclable. We hope that you will help us and the Earth out by properly disposing of these single use items by rinsing and recycling them (please).

We have found some types of packaging that can be home composted. Depending on where you live, these may also be accepted in your cities compost bins (unfortunately, this varies widely from facility to facility so we can not offer the best guidance for this option at this time.) We use this packaging when feasible. When not, we opt for materials that you can be reused or recycled. Meaning, you can find new uses for them in your home! If not, you can bring them back to us!

Below you will find a list of each of the materials we use and the proper way to dispose of them or ideas for reuse.

We will continue searching for packaging options that check off all of our boxes. If you or someone you know is offering eco-friendly packaging please reach out to us. We would love to work with you!

Note: If you do not know how or are unable to properly dispose of any of the packaging from your Barefood&Barefoot purchases, you can rinse and return them to us at any of our events and we will properly dispose of them for you! See our events page to find us.

You can also check to see if your friends, neighbors, family or strangers on Buy Nothing groups on Facebook are interested in your glass bottles and jars! And check to see if your friends, family, neighbors or local farm will take your home compostable items.