Shipping materials can be expensive! Even the styrofoam "peanuts" can cost a great deal. Here's a great idea for packing paterial that is bio-digradable, easy, and best of all...CHEAP!

Popcorn! Yep, popcorn! It is a wonderful packing product if it is done right. Here's how to make it the right way for using in your packaging:

1. Go down to your local goodwill store, or jump on eBay (tm) and find a popcorn air pumper. They are usually cheap, and you may even want to get 2 or 3 if you need a large quantity of packing material.

2. Find some large bags of popcorn. There's no need to get fancy about what kind you get. The cheapo kernals work just as well for the packing as the expensive brands. Remember, you're packing with it, not eating it.

3. Put the popcorn pumper over a large sealable container and "fire that baby up. Make large quantities of popcorn at one time and let it cool. After it cools you can put the lid on and save it for packing at anytime you wish to use it.

4. Put a note in the box that you pack that basically says: "We are conscious of the environment! Your item has been packed in all natural popcorn using a method that is non-greasy and environmentally safe. Please feed to the birds or re-use at your discretion. Thank-you!"

I have used all natural popcorn on many occasions with a good deal of success. There are products that you may not want to pack in popcorn. Things like ephemera and other items that are permeable to smell may not be something that you will want to chance packing in popcorn. Keep in mind, if it can soak in a smell, it can soak in a popcorn odor. Make decisions with care!

Michael Temple is a retired auctioneer, speaker and the owner of Antique Power Dealers, an antique and collectible business resource. (http://www.antiquepowerdealer.com) He is also the author of the report, "6 Costly Mistakes Antique Buyers and Sellers Make...and How to Avoid Them!" You can own a copy by asking for it. Send your request to: freetips@antiquepowerdealer.com