Are Decorative Glass Orbs Getting a Sustainable Upgrade?

At Worldly Goods Too, we’ve always had a soft spot for our beautiful decorative glass orbs. For over thirty years, we’ve packed them carefully using shredded newspaper from The Charlotte Observer. It was a simple, smart, and local way to keep our glass ball decorations safe during shipping. But times have changed. The decline of printed newspapers means less paper for packing—and that left us with a big question: what’s next?

We thought hard about it. We needed something that was gentle on our orbs, safe for the planet, and still made each package feel special. Then it hit us: hay! Yes, the old-fashioned, all-organic kind. It’s natural, sustainable, and surprisingly effective.

Why Hay Makes Sense

Switching to hay isn’t just practical—it’s kind of brilliant. It cushions our decorative glass orbs just as well as shredded paper, but without the waste. It’s biodegradable and compostable. It even smells a little like sunshine on a farm, which gives your unboxing experience an extra touch of charm.

We source our hay from trusted organic farms. This means your glass ball decorations arrive wrapped in something that’s clean, chemical-free, and environmentally responsible. It’s soft, flexible, and creates a protective nest for each piece. No crinkly plastic. No bubble wrap. Just hay.

Sustainability Is a Shared Responsibility

At Worldly Goods Too, we’ve always cared about how our products are made—and how they travel. Our decorative glass orbs are handcrafted, and we believe that the same thoughtfulness should go into the way we send them to you.

By using hay instead of traditional packing materials, we’re reducing our impact. There’s less waste in landfills. Less energy used in producing synthetic packing. And more support for local farmers who grow hay without harmful chemicals. It’s a small shift that adds up—and we hope it inspires others to think outside the box, too.

Glass Orbs with a Natural Touch

Each of our glass ball decorations is unique. The swirls of color, the way light dances off the surface, and the delicate craftsmanship are part of what makes them so loved. So it makes sense that their packaging should feel just as thoughtful and personal.

The hay adds a layer of authenticity to the entire experience. When you open your box, it feels like you’re receiving something rare, something that matters. It’s not just what’s inside that counts—it’s how it gets to you that tells the whole story.

Feedback Matters—So Tell Us What You Think

We’ve had great responses so far. Some customers have even reused the hay as mulch in their gardens or composted it. Others have said it adds a cozy, rustic feel to their unboxing. But we’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you like the switch? Do you have creative ways to reuse the hay? Let us know—we’re listening.

Sustainable packing is a journey. And while we think we’ve found a great solution, we believe there’s always room to learn, grow, and adapt. Your ideas could be part of our next step forward.

The Bottom Line

Our decorative glass orbs are more than just beautiful pieces—they’re part of a bigger story. One that blends artistry, care, and responsibility. With our new hay-based packaging, we’ve taken a meaningful step toward sustainability without sacrificing quality or charm.

At Worldly Goods Too, we believe in doing things the right way. That means protecting your glass ball decorations with materials that are gentle on the Earth and delightful for you. Hay might seem like an old idea, but to us, it feels fresh, smart, and just right.

If you haven’t seen our new packaging in person yet, order one of our handcrafted spheres and experience it for yourself. We think you’ll agree—it’s a natural fit.