EcoShip Chicago co-founders Aleksandra Plewa and Peter Proctor

We don’t recycle we reuse.

“EcoShip is not a waste management company. That was never our goal, nor will it ever be in the future.”

EcoShip’s Timeline

  • EcoShip's founders in 2021, the year the collection effort began

    Before EcoShip was EcoShip


    June 2021

    Founder, Aleksandra, began collecting packaging materials for her partner, Peter’s, e-commerce business. Using local Facebook groups, she drove around Chicago to gather items.

  • EcoShip volunteers sorting bubble wrap and packing supplies in EcoShip's early days

    Nonprofit or For Profit?


    January 2022

    It was decided that EcoShip would become a nonprofit, benefitting local businesses with free packaging. We formed our board, got our first storage unit, and got to work.

  • Group of six people standing behind a table with a green tablecloth, at an EcoShip donation event for packaging materials, with a signboard and donation box.

    First Grant


    October 2022

    EcoShip is awarded our first grant through Delta Institute, allowing us to rent out a second storage unit and expand our operations.

  • A large green and black compost collection box with signage promoting eco-friendly materials and a yellow sign from The Urban Canopy Compost Club, offering a discount code for compost collection, inside the back of a van.

    First Collection Campaign

    December 2023

    We rolled out our first ever collection campaign during which schools, offices, and individuals could pay for a pick-up service. Our last two campaigns sold out and we are excited to bring it back for the 2025 holidays.

  • EcoShip's first retail pop-up storefront in West Town, 2025

    First Retail Space

    January 2025

    Thanks to a private donation of $15,000 and an $8,400 donation from the Ferdi Foundation, we were able to move into our first retail space in a pop-up location in West Town. We spent 6 months collecting and distributing packaging to our community. We are currently fundraising to be able to move into our permanent residence. Find more information HERE.

  • EcoShip Chicago's permanent home at 3248 N Pulaski Rd in Avondale, opened 2025

    Our Home

    October 2025

    With the support of our community, we were able to raise $33,000 to move into our new home with a 3-year lease. We are now located in Avondale and continue keeping packaging out of the landfill, providing educational programming to local schools, and hosting workshops and events.