Wrap Your Gifts in Eco-Friendly Style

It’s that time of year again when many of us rush around the shops or scroll through online stores for just the right gift/s. Then the last-minute wrapping that will only be ripped off again as the gifts are opened, and the paper strewn around the room for someone to gather up and shove into the bin.

Yes, the holiday season is upon us, and for many this comes with the tradition of gift-giving. While this is a wonderful tradition, it can come at a huge environmental cost—in wealthier countries, about half of our carbon footprint arises from what we buy and consume. But the impact of our wrapping paper can also be significant.

Traditional wrapping paper, often made from non-recyclable materials and laden with plastic coatings, contributes to landfill waste and pollution.

Let’s change things up this year. Let’s make a conscious effort to choose eco-friendly wrapping options. By selecting sustainable materials and adopting creative wrapping techniques, we can reduce our environmental footprint and our gifts can look even more festive and beautiful. Here are a few super easy ideas!

Eco-Friendly Wrapping Paper Alternatives

🎁 Recycled Paper: Opt for wrapping paper made from recycled materials, or reuse paper you may have saved from last year. It’s a great way to reduce waste and minimize the demand for virgin paper.

🎁 Brown Paper: Simple brown paper is a versatile and eco-friendly option—and much less expensive than fancy wrapping paper. You can decorate it with natural elements like dried leaves, berries, or twine.

🎁 Fabric: Use fabric scraps, scarves, or old clothes to wrap your gifts. It’s reusable, stylish, and adds a personal touch.

🎁 Newspaper: Give your gifts a vintage look by wrapping them in newspaper. You can decorate it with ribbons, tags, or paint.

🎁 Reusable Gift Bags: Invest in (or make your own) reusable gift bags made from sustainable materials like cotton or jute. You can decorate them with ribbons or paint.

Eco-Friendly Wrapping Techniques

🎁 Furoshiki: This traditional Japanese wrapping involves using fabric to wrap gifts in various creative ways. It’s a beautiful and sustainable option.

🎁 Minimalist Wrapping: Keep it simple and elegant with minimal decorations. Use a single piece of paper, tie it with a ribbon, and add a simple tag.

🎁 Natural Decorations: Use natural elements like gum leaves, dried flowers, or cinnamon sticks to decorate your gifts.

🎁 DIY Gift Tags: Get creative! Make your own gift tags using recycled cardstock or old envelopes. You can decorate them with drawings, stamps, or handwritten messages.

Additional Tips for Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping

• Avoid Plastic Tape: Use natural twine or paper tape instead of plastic tape.
• Choose Reusable Ribbons and Bows: Opt for ribbons and bows made from natural materials like cotton or silk.
• Save or Donate Unused Wrapping Paper: If you have leftover wrapping paper, save it for next time or donate it to a local charity or school. Even used wrapping can be reused—if gifts are unwrapped carefully!
• Give Something that Doesn’t Need Wrapping: Rather than a tangible gift, consider giving an experience, or a home-made voucher for a massage or a car wash etc. Read here for more alternative gift ideas.

We know that every little change makes a difference. So, let’s get in the habit of wrapping our gifts in eco-friendly style and spread the joy of giving without harming the planet. It’s easy!