Shipping Waste

Shipping waste is something the average person is becoming more and more aware of as the trend of online ordering has increased over the last few years. We first noticed it in our own business when some of our physical retail store customers who lived in Seattle, Washington began making purchases online instead of coming into the store.

After studyingĀ the issue, we found that a small segment of customers from all over the USA were ordering multiple times a week. This led us to closely examine the shipping waste produced by such orders. Each box that was underutilized led to wasted materials to fill the empty void in the box, and ultimately, they took up unnecessary space in airplanes and delivery trucks. This was also a detriment to the environment since we were not efficiently usingĀ our resources.

Custom boxes at Aquarium Co-Op warehouse

Custom-made shipping boxes, optimized for our bestselling products

We looked at what we could do as a company to guide customers in the right direction and reduce our shipping waste. The first thing we did was analyze all of our top-selling products and have custom boxes made that best utilized space.

We learned the smallest orders were often the worst offenders of shipping waste. Our average shipment is aboutĀ the size of a loaf of bread, so shipping outĀ one item the size of a pack of gum caused us to stuffĀ our boxes with lots of void fill. We switched from using inflated pillows, which are cheap and a bit hard to recycle, to paper, which is more expensive but easier to recycle for most customers.

Aquarium Co-Op packaging with paper fill

Using recyclable paper as protective packaging and void fill

We then raised our minimum order to $19.99. This was a compromise to help fill a box with more thanĀ one item. This hasn't eliminated the problem but has solved a good portion of it. We are continually looking for ways to reduce shipping waste.

We also changed from using Styrofoam liners on our plants to reusable plant liners when shipping in extreme cold or hot climates. We also switched from primarily using plastic-based tapes to paper-based tapes for our boxes.

Aquarium Co-Op reusable shipping liners to protect plants from extreme temperatures

Reusable shipping liners to protect plants from extreme temperatures

In addition, we receive a lot of shipments to our warehouse, so we recycle all the cardboard and paper. We changed from normal pallet wrap to biodegradable pallet wrap. In our retail store, we have used oxygen-degradable bags for many years now.

Many of you have asked, "What else can we as customers do to help?" In general, the more products you buy, the more efficient it gets. However, some specific things you can do is buy three or more live plants at a time ā€” especially during heat or cold spells ā€” since the packaging used to ship the plants will be the same whether there is one plant or many.

Scarlet temple at Aquarium Co-Op warehouse

Selecting multiple plants in one order can help increase shipping efficiency.
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James C. (Medford, OR, US)

I have never had a bad encounter with Aquarium Coop. Truly one of the best places to buy from.

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James C. (Medford, OR, US)

This by far the best site to buy plants from.

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James C. (Medford, OR, US)

Always a great experience shopping at Aquarium Coop!

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John w. (Temecula, CA, US)

Always the best quality items

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Robert P. (Albany, NY, US)

Always a pleasure

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Randy M. (Douglas, GA, US)

Fast shipping.

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Paul J. (Ball Ground, GA, US)

Thank you

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Jennifer R. (Miami, FL, US)

I recommend Aquarium Co Op to all my aquarium friends. Great products, customer service, and educational posts.

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Lori (Visalia, CA, US)

Thank you šŸ™

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Eliott C. (Louisville, KY, US)

good website, fast shipping, decent prices

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John S. (Denver, CO, US)

Never had any issues!

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Maria D. (Phoenix, AZ, US)

To be very honest, I was very surprised with the contents. Originally, I thought they were going to be sample packets of various items. I received full size items and they are all useful, wonderful items that will be placed on our raffle table. I am excited to see what next months items will be!

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Michael H.

Looks like you have worked this in to a good business, though my guess is you make way more money on your mail order, self promotion to the next level of this business by creating Aquarium Co-Op branding. Beleive it or not I am more interested in you warehouse process and what improvement you have made. The way you run you quality insurance, your pick process, packing process, etc.

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James C. (Portland, OR, US)

Always good to buy stuff from Aquarium Coop. The absolute best!

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James C. (Portland, OR, US)

Iā€™ve never had a bad interaction

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phat d. (Kent, WA, US)

Always in stock

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Joe B. (Universal City, CA, US)

Great products. East check out. Quick shipping. What else can you ask for?

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Roskar R. (New York, NY, US)

My sonā€™s first 30 gallon is thriving 40 days in.

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Anonymous (Mililani Town, HI, US)

I bought a bunch of products, some that arent aquarium coop products and some that are. Pleased to have found a Cyanobacteria treatment from Fritz and Xtreme foods. Easy flow sponge filter is great it can create a lot of bubbles. Other niche products like Easy shrimp and Snails is a great addition. Ziss Air Valve is very reliable compared to Petsmart valves that feel cheap and dont completely close or come off. I come here for Quality products I can trust

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Anonymous (Hayward, CA, US)

This is my second time ordering and it was kind of a disappointment due to one of the plants being completely dead.

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Anonymous (Oshkosh, WI, US)

Great products. Better prices then at my local shops. Fast shipping. Placed several orders, and have been very happy

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James C. (Deatsville, AL, US)

Very professional company. Will be doing a lot more business.

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Susan B. (Los Angeles, CA, US)

I was concerned about shipping to the West Coast, but all plants arrived healthy, and were packaged securely. They're are planted and growing with the help of Easy Green and Easy Root Tabs. I do like these Root Tabs better, they don't float up to the top like the previous ones. All the other items i purchased are staples and will be used when needed. All and all my experience shopping on the co-op site has been perfect, like i expected. Thanks Aquarium co-op ! Sue B.

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Anonymous (Denver, CO, US)

Everything was perfect, quality at a reasonable price, excellent shopping experience.

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David F. (Manchester, NH, US)

The online store is a breeze and searching for the things I need for my aquarium hobby are intuitive and lots of suggested pairings that I didn't realize went together!? How cool is that! Excellent job Cory keep up the great work!

One satisfied customer.

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Clayton S. (CaƱon City, CO, US)

Aquarium coop is always quick to ship. They have the best liquid fertilizer to keep me coming back.

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James C. (Medford, OR, US)

Best customer service hands down. Canā€™t beat it.

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James C. (Medford, OR, US)

As always the best customer experience in the industry

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James C. (Medford, OR, US)

This company has the best customer service in the industry!!!

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Anonymous (Hialeah, FL, US)

Shopping with Aquarium Co-Op is always a seamless experience. Their website is easy to navigate, shipping is super fast, and everything arrives packaged with great care.

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Tina (Bellevue, WA, US)

Staff are knowledgeable and helpful with anything you need.

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Omar P. (Windermere, FL, US)

Always great experience