Are there any alternative packing materials?

[shane]

I recently bought a desk from Wal-mart. After my son put it together for me, and I got the box ready for recycling, I was amazed at the amount of plastic sheeting, styrofoam and bubble wrap that I had to throw away. I realize that things need to be well-packaged to avoid damage during shipping, but are there any more earth-friendly alternatives? Is there any way of recycling the usual materials?