Polystyrene packing peanuts are great for protecting a gift sent through the mail. But they’re a bane to the environment, since they’re made from nonbiodegradable petroleum. Instead, try these options.

Eco-Friendly Materials

Check shipping- and office-supply stores for reusable natural starch-based foam peanuts (such as Staples Biodegradable Packing Peanuts, $43 for a seven-cubic-foot bag). They’re water soluble, so they can be dissolved in water or composted.

The Container Store’s embossed Padding Paper is recycled and recyclable ($15 for 30 sheets).

Save the air-filled plastic “pillows” that come in many mail-order packages and reuse them.

And be sure to keep an eye out for Geämi paper, a recyclable paper with a honeycomb design that provides excellent cushioning properties. It is currently being used by large retailers and distribution companies, and test-marketing among the general public is under way.

Recycling Suggestions

If you have more packing materials than you know what to do with, visit www.earth911.com to find recycling centers in your area that accept them. Or call local businesses and mailing centers to find out if they need items for reuse.

To dump polystyrene peanuts, call the Plastic Loose Fill Council’s Peanut Hotline (800-828-2214) to find businesses that will take them off your hands. And remember—corrugated cardboard is usually recyclable if it’s clean and flattened.