I chose them because I wanted something pretty traditional, and I thought that my customers would appreciate the flip-top action that is so ingrained in our culture when it comes to wedding proposals. (Mine are a little more unique because they do have my logo embossed in silver on the inside of the lid.)
However, in my ongoing quest to make my business as ethical and eco-friendly as possible, I've been giving these boxes some serious thought lately, and I think they have to go. Nothing about them is environmentally friendly - plastic innards, foam and velvet, and they are likely a one-use item, destined to either sit forever in someone's jewelry box, or more likely, in the landfill. Plus, they're made in China, which I'm guessing means horrid labor conditions.
The problem is that I have not been able to source a box that meets all of my goals: (1) a fairly traditional/recognizably 'engagement' design (i.e. flip-top), (2) less plastic/foam; more recycled materials, and (3) manufactured as ethically as possible. But I think I can at least do better than what I'm doing now.
Here are the options. I'm hoping you guys will comment and let me know your thoughts on this issue. I want to be sensitive to my customers' needs while still honoring the environment as much as possible...
These are the only paper (non-plastic) boxes I can find that incorporate a flip-top design. However, they are not made from recycled paper, and they are also made in China. Blerg.
These are a little better - made from recycled paper (both the inner box and the black paper outer), and made in the USA. But they lack the traditional flip-top design. And they do still contain a foam pad for holding the ring (I think anything I find is going to have that, unfortunately).
This is the same design in silver foil. The inner box is made from recycled materials but I don't think the outer silver paper is.
And finally, the same design in white.So what do you think???
Anyone know of a source with better options?
