Eco-Friendly Christmas Wrapping Ideas
As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to think about reducing waste and being more environmentally conscious. One simple way to do this is by opting for eco-friendly gift-wrapping ideas.
By choosing recycled or brown paper, avoiding wrapping papers with glitter or other non-recyclable material, and opting for tags that do not include single-use plastic, we can positively impact the planet while still getting into the holiday spirit. It’s also a good idea to reuse materials whenever possible rather than buying new ones. We can all do our part to create a more sustainable future by taking these small steps.
Paper 2.0
While we don’t recommend sticking with traditional wrapping paper, not all paper is off-limits. Examine your desk drawers, storage bins, and cupboards for forgotten travel maps, music pages, or other bright, unusual, but still recyclable material that might give a personal touch to your gifts.
Reuse delivery boxes
During the holiday season, online deliveries tend to increase dramatically. This means we usually end up with many boxes begging to be turned into something useful. Instead of spending money on rolls of wrapping paper, why not try upcycling those boxes into adorable presents?
Remove any personal information or labels and get creative with your decorations. It’s a fun and eco-friendly way to give gifts!
Eco-friendly paper and tape
If you’re looking for no-hassle eco packaging ideas, you may still use paper and tape; choose a greener alternative. The plain brown paper appears natural and rustic when wrapped with twine or ribbon.
Recycled Christmas wrapping paper, available in most supermarkets, offers one alternative. You could use brown paper tape or, for something a little more fun, washi tape as sticky tape. It is biodegradable and available in a variety of colors and patterns.
Utilize fabric off cuts
Why not put those fabric remnants to good use and try your hand at Furoshiki, the traditional Japanese art of wrapping gifts with fabric? Tie your presents with a linen cloth and add some clear baubles filled with winter foliage for a fresh twist on seasonal wrapping. It may take a few tries to get the technique down, but it’s worth it for the stunning and sustainable results. Always ask for the fabric back or encourage your recipient to reuse it.
Good-old brown paper bags
Did you know that you can turn a simple brown paper bag into a festive and creative gift wrap? All you need is a little bit of creativity and some colorful additions. You can add some holiday-themed elements like mistletoe, holly, pinecones, colorful gift tags, twine, yarn, or recyclable ribbon for small bags
You can even use small ornaments or holiday stamps to give your gift that extra special touch. If you have larger brown bags, you can cut them up and use them just like wrapping paper, adding the same colorful elements.
And if you want to get the kids involved, have them help you decorate the bags with chalk, which is recyclable. Just be sure to avoid using paint, crayons, excessive glue, or sticky tape, as these items can’t be recycled. With a little effort, you can turn plain brown paper bags into beautiful and festive gift wrapping!
Tape-free wrapping techniques
Sticky tape is a major contributor to pollution due to its plastic components, which cannot be recycled. However, numerous videos on YouTube demonstrate how to wrap variously shaped gifts using clever folding techniques, eliminating the need for tape and reducing plastic usage during the holiday season.
Repurposed reading material
If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly and unique alternative to traditional wrapping paper, consider using pages from old newspapers and magazines. Not only are they easily accessible and free, but you can also find pages with articles or pictures that you know your loved one will appreciate.
Select a page with an interesting article or image, fold it neatly around the gift, and secure it with a ribbon or twine. This saves money and resources and adds a personal touch to your gift.
Recycled ribbon
If you have old clothes that you no longer wear or are in the process of clearing out your wardrobe, consider repurposing them as a ribbon for your Christmas presents. Cut the fabric into strips of the desired length and width. If the fabric edges are fraying, you can carefully seal them using a match or lighter to prevent further unraveling.
Let this Christmas be an eco-friendly one with these wrapping ideas from Coniferous. Keep up with the latest eco-trends, and we wish you a Merry Christmas.
