Have you wrapped your holiday gifts yet? I didn’t know. In most cases wrapping and tissue paper are not recyclable. That means, especially this time of year a lot more waste is going to landfills.
My wife and I are doing everything we can do to live more sustainable, local and eating within seasons. We are always seeking ways to make a difference. Even in small ways can add up over time.
When we found out that most wrapping paper is non-recyclable we knew this is area we could make some change in. This year we have chosen to not use any wrapping paper for gifts. There are numerous other ways to wrap gifts without traditional wrapping paper. I know my wife, and I very excited to give gifts that represent our goals of sustainability.
So how are we going to wrap Christmas presents this year. I am not sure yet, but here are a few ideas.
Fabric Wrapping
In the tradition of Japanese Fuoshiki wrapping cloth, you can use this fabric to wrap gifts this Christmas. Best of all this fabric is 100% organic cotton and reusable.
Grocery Paper Bags
Next time you are at the grocery store ask for paper bags. After you put your groceries away, you have wrapping paper for Christmas gifts. Check out this tutorial from the Instructables, Grocery Bag Wrapping Paper.
Reusable Grocery Bags
Put that fantastic Christmas present for your friend in a reusable grocery bag. Most stores carry various reusable grocery bags. Pick one with that matches the season or has a cool pattern. My wife and I often do this for baby shower gifts.
Newspaper
After reading the Sunday newspaper reuse it for gift wrapping. Pick any section of the newspaper depending on the person, gift or time of year. My favorite section for wrapping would be the comics. What section of the newspaper do you read first?
Kraft Paper
This is want we are using this year for wrapping gifts. We have a roll of brown craft paper that is ideal for wrapping paper. Craft paper is easily recycled, and it is cheap. If you don’t like brown craft paper it is available in many colors at office supplies stores. Check out this present that I wrapped for my wife. I feel that it looks great! I even used the craft paper for the gift tag. To dress craft paper up, use some holiday stamps.
Old Maps
You probably have some old road maps in your car’s glove compartment. If you have replaced these maps with a GPS like like many people. Consider using the maps for wrapping paper. Maps are colorful, and fun to look at.
Mason Jars
Mason jars are excellent for baking gift giving. You can give friends and family a pre-mixed cookie mix in a mason jar. After they make the delicious cookie they can use the Mason jar in many ways.
The Wrapping Paper is the Gift (Scarves & Towels)
A green alternative to traditional wrapping paper is wrapping the gift with a gift. You can wrap a present in with a warm scarf or kitchen hand towels. Check out this scarf wrapping guide. I love this idea because there is not any waste.
Put it in a Basket
Instead of using wrapping paper for your Christmas gifts, use a basket. Purchase a nice basket, place gifts in it and add a bow for the perfect reusable method to give presents. You can combine to wrapping methods, by first using fabric and then placing them in a basket like the image below.
Cereal Boxes
Reuse an old cereal box for gift giving. Check out this simple tutorial for making fun present boxes out of a Wheaties Cereal box, Gift Wrap Ideas Cereal Box Tutorial Poster Wrapping Paper.
Old Posters
Do you have any old posters? If so, give them a new use this Christmas as wrapping paper. A poster will wrap just like any other wrapping paper.
Highlight: Business – Daily Life – Logprotect.org