EcoShip Expands Sustainable Packaging Hub in West Town with New Headquarters
By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/West Town ·
West Town's sustainability scene has received a significant boost with EcoShip opening its new headquarters at 1947 W. Chicago Avenue. The nonprofit, which collects and donates used shipping materials to the public, is the latest tenant in the West Town Chamber of Commerce's innovative pop-up project, which provides small businesses with subsidized short-term leases and resources to operate brick-and-mortar locations.
Founded by Aleksandra Plewa, EcoShip began after she helped her partner collect used packaging materials for his e-commerce business. The organization now collects materials at 14 locations throughout Chicago before making them available for free to businesses and individuals. Items include mailers, bubble wrap, packaging peanuts, and foam packing sheets, addressing both economic and environmental needs for local entrepreneurs. The new storefront will soon offer shipping label printing services, furthering Plewa's vision of creating a comprehensive resource center for small businesses in the neighborhood. "We want to continue offering the businesses we work with more resources and for them to be able to come to us with questions about scaling up or product alternatives," Plewa explained.
West Town residents and business owners can visit EcoShip's headquarters during its operating hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursdays and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on weekends. The organization welcomes community members to drop off gently used packaging materials and connect with other environmentally conscious neighbors. This sustainable initiative represents West Town's growing commitment to supporting both local businesses and environmentally responsible practices.
Sources:
1. https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/02/10/packaging-materials-reuse-store-grocery-themed-boutique-pop-ups-open-in-west-town/
2. https://www.westtownchamber.org/tenants
3. https://ecoship.org/calendar