Less waste

I often receive Amazon packages and along with the product I ordered comes packaging material. I'm tired of throwing this in the garbage and feeling guilty because I'm throwing away perfectly reusable material.
This afternoon I did a little research. I set out to find a place close to my home where I can drop off these shipping gems so they can be reused instead of die to the landfill or be made into something else (for sure a better option than the previous but still not an optimal solution).
I called UPS and FedEx. Both are not allowed to reuse the type of material I have (AIRplus – basically air pouches). UPS is able to reuse peanuts. FedEx can only ship using their approved material from FedEx. Mail Boxes Etc. is able to reuse this material, however the closest one to me is too far to make it an environmental gain to drive there.
Finally I called STOROpack, the makers of AIRplus. The woman I talked to was very helpful and gave me this number to call in order to find local businesses that will reuse the material: 1.800.828.2214.

See Plastic Loose Fill Council.

I am pleased to report that I've found a good option and am happy that my efforts and packaging goods have not turned to waste!

Perhaps now I'll call Amazon to see if they have a reuse program for boxes.

During this process I had an idea: What would it look like if waste management companies (or an independent company) started community stores that would serve as reuse centers? This would be great to keep items such as boxes, packaging material, etcetera (I don't have any more time to brainstorm right now) out of landfills. After all, one man's trash is another person's treasure. Perhaps tax incentives can be offered to the company and to customers or the reuse centers can be based on donations or a small fee. One of the rewards for participants aside from inexpensive materials would be the fulfillment of social responsibility and helping our Earth.