The art of eco-wrapping: Tips for sustainable gifting
Christmas gifts: Do you start planning with plenty of time, or do you leave it to the last minute? Whether you’ve had your presents stashed since August, or you are counting on late opening on Christmas Eve, picking WHAT to gift is only part of the fun. You will also want to plan HOW you wrap your presents, to keep the element of surprise until the big morning.
Wrapping materials like glossy paper, ribbons, and tape often contain plastic, and come January will end up in landfill. With a bit of thought and planning, there are plenty of eco-friendly options available for wrapping gifts – here we’ve rounded up some of our favourite ideas to keep your environmental impact to a minimum this Christmas.
Use materials you already have
Old cards can be cut up to make gift tags, and magazines and newspapers can be upcycled as gift wrap. Publications start printing festive-looking features early in the year, so if you keep an eye out for these, you will be well prepared by the time December rolls around.
Flowers and chocolates often come tied with twine or ribbon – these are perfect to stash and use again. Alternatively, if you have clothes you are planning to donate to charity, these could be cut into strips to make home-made ribbons.
Opt for reusable wrappers
“Never have I ever” thrown out a gift bag. If the tag has been written on, simply remove and you have a bag that can be reused time and time again. Because gift bags can fit gifts of varying sizes, and don’t get damaged by tape (like wrapping paper) they are extremely reusable.
If you have the skills, and would like a more durable gift bag option, stitching fabric (from old clothes or the charity shop) into a draw string bag is a relatively simple sewing project. The bag will act as a bonus gift that they can reuse.
Charity shops will often have a stash of silky scarves. Generally, they are very affordable, and make a lovely reusable gift wrap option.
Choose recycled, recyclable or biodegradable materials
If you are buying new wrapping paper, look out for options that are plastic-free and recycled. Natural accessories such as cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, pinecones or rosehips all make beautiful decorations when tied onto presents with twine.
There is a growing trend for cards and gift tags that are printed on seed paper, often filled with wild-flower seeds. These can then be planted, and the gift will just keep on giving until Spring.
Look for products that will have a wider impact
Choosing cards by a small-scale artist will benefit the local economy and likely make the artists’ day. It is also worth looking out for cards published by a charity you support – buying the cards can be a nice way to give financial support, and get something useful in return.
We hope you find this suggestions helpful – do you have any tips you would add? We would love to hear your thoughts on Facebook or Instagram.