Minimizing Our Footprint

It’s no secret that the subscription service industry has skyrocketed in recent years. According to Forbes Magazine, roughly 5.7 million of these shoppers exist within the US today. From pet products to meal-kits, these days it seems as though just about anything can be packaged up and shipped out on a recurring basis (including delicious, cut-to-order artisan cheese!) But with various pre-packaged shipments reaching the doorsteps of over five million people, one has to wonder: what happens to all of that packaging waste once the box is opened? 

As environmentally-conscious business owners, we asked ourselves that exact question prior to launching Cheesemonger Box. While our goal is to make the wonderful world of premier cheese accessible and educational for all, doing so in the most eco-friendly way possible has always been of the utmost importance. But where does one start? In an effort to minimize our carbon footprint from the get-go, we’ve chosen to pack all of our shipments with Green Cell Foam, the most eco-friendly packaging material on the market. Made from all-natural, non-GMO, American-grown corn, all Green Cell Foam packaging materials are completely biodegradable, compostable, and water-soluble. Although essentially made of cornstarch, we can vouch that Green Cell Foam matches the performance of the petroleum-based foams used by countless other subscription services. Another plus? It even generates 80% less greenhouse gas and uses 70% less energy to produce overall. How’s that for green? 

But stats aside, it’s important to us that our cheese lovers know exactly how to recycle our Green Cell Foam packaging. Once you’ve enjoyed your cheese, please consider any of the following options:

Compost: Our compostable foam packaging will biodegrade in 60 days or less in any moist soil environment. 

Dissolve: The best way to dissolve our drain-safe packaging is to run it under the faucet or soak it in a bucket overnight. Quick Tip: The liquefied Green Cell Foam mixture makes for great plant food! 

Burn: Our foam packaging burns cleanly and safely in fireplaces, outdoor fire pits, barbecue grills and more. 

But hang on, we’re not done yet! Keep in mind that both the outer shipping box and our yellow Cheesemonger Box are made of cardboard and can be dismantled and placed in your recycling bin or brought to your local recycling center. The gel ice packs included within your shipment are completely reusable, while the biodegradable wood shavings that cushion your cheese can be either composted or burned.  We are continuously looking for ways to have a positive impact on our planet. Not only are we thrilled to provide our cheese lovers with ethically-sourced and honestly-made food, but also with biodegradable alternatives to wasteful packaging materials. Stay green, friends!