Top 10 Eco-friendly Holiday Wrapping Paper Alternatives
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Tis’ the season to be….wasteful? Did you know that every holiday season thousands of tons of wrapping paper, tissue paper, bows, ribbons, etc. are purchased each season? And that the majority of that is produced using virgin material? Beyond the trees that are destroyed and the numerous chemicals involved in the production process of these decorations, where does it all go afterwards? You may place it in your recycle bin that does not necessarily mean it is going to be recycled.
If the paper has a coating, there is conflicting information as to whether it can or cannot be recycled. It seems that it depends on your area and the recycling facilities. Another alternative is that it can be sent overseas to be used for packaging material. Although it does satisfy the “reuse” factor of the three R’s, the footprint from the transport back and forth may offset the benefit of it. I have also heard that some people burn them in their fireplace but that gives off toxic gases and that is not very green for the holidays.
It seems to be that the best way to wrap a present this season is to use an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional wrapping paper. You can have fun with it and make the wrapping a part of the gift, a conversation starter or (at the very least) an interesting presentation or something that can be useful afterward.
Here are the top 10 Eco-friendly Holiday Gift Wrapping Alternative Ideas:
- Outdated maps, old posters, sheet music or leftover lightweight wallpaper (if you don’t have any lying around the house, check your local second-hand store. You’re bound to find some interesting pieces to use)
- Newspapers (foreign are cool) or comics or flyers or catalogues
- Children’s artwork – show off your pride and joy
- Old wooden wine boxes or tins
- Scarves or handkerchiefs
- Napkins, tea towels or an apron
- Reusable shopping bag
- Pillow cases
- Bamboo or canvas basket
- An Organic Cotton wrap, scarf or shirt
There you have it. 10 easy and accessible alternatives to conventional wrapping paper. Of course, you can always use recycled plain wrapping paper but these ideas introduce a new approach to a wasteful tradition. Look around during the holidays for other ways to reduce consumption or find an eco-friendly alternative to a tradition. Traditions are meant to progress with time – it’s the spirit in which they are attended to that should remain.
