Seeing a loved one’s face light up when they unwrap your present is among the greatest joys of the holiday season — second only to eating your weight in delicious gingerbread cookies. But after everyone opens their presents, you realize just how much wrapping paper is wasted each year. To make matters worse, many wrapping…
Utilize Biodegradable Paper
Wrapping paper that’s covered in glitter or foil, for example, can’t be recycled and may only be disposed of in the normal garbage. If you’re looking for a greener alternative, steer clear of those shiny materials and use biodegradable wrapping paper instead. Many biodegradable options still feature cute, wintry designs such as Christmas trees and snowflakes, so you won’t have to settle for plain brown paper. Once all the gifts have been opened, round up the discarded paper and throw it into the recycling bin.
Use Fabric Wrap
Fabric wrap is an excellent alternative to wrapping paper, whether you use an old scarf, T-shirt, bedsheet, or even a tablecloth. Thrift stores often sell fabric scraps at steep discounts, and Etsy offers a wide variety of unique fabric bundles.Go for bold colors and patterns to make your gifts stand out while sitting under the tree. We recommend using one of these simple yet stylish wrapping techniques to tie the fabric into a bow, knot, or double knot, which is far more interesting than just taping down your normal wrapping paper. There’s a similar practice in Japan called furoshiki, which has been used since the Edo period of the 17th and 18th centuries. It was originally used by Japanese nobility to wrap their belongings when visiting public baths. Furoshiki were often printed with family crests to prevent mix-ups.
Measure Precisely
You’ve heard the old adage: “Measure twice, cut once.” This applies to gift wrapping just as much as it applies to woodworking. Here’s a useful trick for measuring the perfect amount of wrapping paper, inspired by TikTok creator Nikki Block (@wrappinqueen).
1. Lay the gift box flat on the wrapping paper. Position it horizontally, rather than vertically, as this often contributes to paper waste.
2. Align the side of the gift box with the cut edge of the wrapping paper. Pull the paper up the side of the box so it covers about three-quarters of its height.
3. Measure the length of paper needed to cover that side — for a shirt box, it’s often an inch or an inch and a half — then cut the same length for the other side.
4. Once the wrapping paper has been cut, fold it over the top and bottom of the gift box and secure it with tape.
5. Finish by folding and taping the remaining sides of the box for a perfectly wrapped gift with minimal waste.
Adorn With Natural Decorations
Many mass-produced bows and ribbons are made with nonrecyclable materials such as glue, polyester, and nylon. Opt for versions made from natural fibers such as cotton or raffia that can be reused year after year. You could also adorn your gifts with festive natural elements such as pine springs, dried oranges, or cinnamon sticks to help them stand out from the bunch.
Send Virtual Gifts
In this increasingly virtual world, e-gift cards and other online purchases are a widely accepted and eco-friendly alternative to more tangible presents. The only “wrapping” you’ll need to do is hitting the send button to deliver the item by email, which means no wasting cardboard boxes or wrapping paper. Obviously, there are some presents that cannot be delivered virtually. But when applicable, these virtual gifts will help cut down on waste and also leave the giftee with less physical clutter to deal with.
Remember: It’s the thought that counts, and nobody will care if they receive a gift that’s wrapped in an untraditional manner. In fact, your loved ones will probably appreciate the extra effort you made to be environmentally friendly while wrapping their gift. By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to a greener gift-giving season.
