12 Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Wrapping Paper
2 minute read
Tens of millions of trees are cut down every year to create wrapping paper
This paper creates millions of tons of additional waste
There are many creative ways to wrap gifts that reduces your holiday waste
The holiday season is one of giving and generosity, but it’s also one of high natural resource use and waste. Around 30 million trees are cut down to make mostly non-recyclable gift wrap. During the Christmas season, an additional five million tons of waste is produced in the US, four million of which is wrapping paper and shopping bags. The shopping bag problem has a wonderfully simple solution: bringing your own when you shop. The wrapping paper problem doesn’t have just one solution, but we’ll outline the alternatives so you can reduce the waste you produce this Holiday season!
Fabric
Furoshiki is a Japanese word for a square piece of fabric used to wrap and transport items. In recent years this practice has boomed in popularity around the world, especially for wrapping gifts. You can use a piece of scrap fabric, a scarf, a shirt, a kitchen towel, and more to wrap your loved one’s gift. And the wrapping can be a fun bonus present!
Old newspaper and maps
If you have newspapers you’ve already read and maps you don’t use anymore (thanks GPS!) you can use them as a sustainable wrapping paper substitute. And they still look festive and can be recycled after the gift is unwrapped! Be sure to remove any tape you use before recycling.
Paper grocery bags
Brown paper bags from grocery stores can be reused as a gift bag, or cut to become brown wrapping paper. Tie a little twine around it and you’ll have an adorable, old-fashion present.
Boxes
Many of us have boxes lying around our houses, waiting for a second life. You can draw on and decorate your boxes for a personal touch!
Tins and glass jars
You might have tins and glass jars at your house, but if you don’t, check your local thrift store! They’re usually filled with these types of donations, and, again, it can be a bonus present.
Baskets
Another bonus present that can often be found in thrift stores is baskets! Throw your gift in a basket and you’re done.
Children’s artwork
This is an excellent option for grandparents’ gifts. You can wrap their gifts in your children’s artwork, which will make the grandparent smile and give a second life to the large collection of your budding Picaso’s work.
Old sheet music
Just like newspapers and maps, sheet music can make great wrapping paper. Bonus points if it’s Christmas music!
Pages from an old book
If you have books you’ll never read again, rip out some pages to make a cool patchwork wrapping paper.
Reused gift bags
Don’t underestimate the power of the gift bag. We save all of the gift bags we receive and pull them out every year for a free and easy way to “wrap” our gifts.
Eco-wrapping paper
Some people really love using traditional wrapping paper. And we get it, wrapping paper can be beautiful and part of your Christmas tradition. Luckily, there are eco-friendly wrapping paper options, like Wrappily. They print great patterns on 100% and compostable newsprint!
Skip the wrapping altogether!
We know it feels wrong, but you don’t have to wrap your gifts. If you want to keep up the excitement, create a scavenger hunt or other game for the big reveal.
Happy Holidays from Ecodrive!
