7 Eco-Friendly & Zero Waste Gift Wrapping Ideas This Christmas
It's getting to be that time of year when we give gifts to our dear ones. We also give and receive gifts throughout the year for special occasions. Of course, we all know how much waste can be associated with wrapping gifts.
We neglect to consider the environment regarding gift giving. For example, traditional wrapping paper hurts the environment. There are many eco-friendly and zero-waste options available that are better for the environment.
This blog post will be a helpful resource if you want to know about zero-waste gift wrapping. Keep reading as we'll share some great eco-friendly gift-wrapping ideas. Let's dive into more details.
What's the Problem with Wrapping Paper?
Wrapping beautiful holiday presents can create a lot of trash – much of it from wrapping paper. According to the 2021's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) surveys, Americans throw away 4.8 million tons of wrapping paper & shopping bags each year; that's enough to fill 459,000 garbage trucks!
Also, the National Resources Defense Council states that the average American family spends $100 a year on wrapping paper and ribbon. And much of that wrapping paper ends up in the trash – only about half of it is recycled.
The problem with wrapping paper is that it's often made with shiny, metallic inks and dyes that can't be recycled. So even if your local recycling program accepts wrapping paper, it's likely that the paper will be accommodated in a landfill because it can't be recycled indefinitely.
Wrapping paper is also often made with virgin forest fiber, harming the environment and deforestation.
If you're looking for a more sustainable way to wrap gifts this holiday season, consider using recycled paper, fabric, or even old maps. You can also reuse wrapping paper from last year – just save it in a box or bag and use it again next year.
7 Eco-Friendly & Zero-Waste Gift Wrapping Ideas
There are many benefits to wrapping gifts, one of which is that it can make the recipient appreciate the gift more. If you're looking for some zero-waste gift-wrapping ideas, here are seven eco-friendly zero-waste-wrapping gift options;
Use a scarf
One of the most eco-friendly ways to wrap a gift is to use a scarf. Scarves are made from natural materials, like cotton or wool, and they can be reused again and again. Plus, they add a touch of style to any gift!
Make sure the scarf is long enough to wrap around the entire gift. You don't want it to be too short and look like a handkerchief! Try to choose a scarf that's a different color than the paper you're using. This will help the scarf stand out and make the gift look more special.
Don't forget to tie a nice bow! A scarf is a perfect way to add a little extra flair to your eco-friendly gift wrap.
Use a tea towel
Using tea towels as a gift-wrapping is another great idea of reducing wrapping waste. Not only is it a unique and affordable way to wrap gifts, but it also helps reduce waste.
Tea towels are often made from natural materials like cotton or linen, which makes them biodegradable and earth-friendly. They can also be reused repeatedly, making them a more sustainable option than traditional gift wrap.
Chip Bags
Yes, you read that correctly! Chip bags make great eco-friendly gift wrap. They're lightweight, durable, and often made from recycled materials. Plus, they're the perfect size for wrapping smaller items.
Just make sure to clean the bags before using them. You don't want your gift recipient to open their present and be greeted with a mouthful of chips!
Brown Paper Bag
A brown paper bag is a great eco-friendly alternative to traditional gift wrap. It's made from recycled materials, it's recyclable, and it can be reused over and over again.
Try decorating your brown paper bag with ribbon, string, or even stamps to make it look more like traditional gift wrap. You can also use brown paper bags to wrap large gifts. Just make sure to tape them shut, so they don't come open during transit.
T-shirt Bag
You have old t-shirts in your home, and you're planning to throw them away. Just wait! Do you know that these worthless clothes in your eyes can be turned into something useful; gift wrapping?
This might sound crazy, but it actually works. All you need to do is to cut the t-shirt into a large rectangle and then use it to wrap your gifts. It's that easy! Plus, it's a great way to reduce waste and reuse old clothes.
Fabric
If you have any fabric scraps, put them to good use by wrapping gifts with them! Fabric is also another great eco-friendly alternative to traditional gift wraps, and it can be reused over and over again.
To make your fabric gift wrap look more polished, try using a contrasting color of ribbon or string. You can add a personal touch by embroidering or stamping the fabric with a special message.
Jar
For packing small gifts, look no further than your recycling bin! Glass jars make great gift containers that can be reused repeatedly.
Don't forget to clean the jars before using them. You can also decorate them with ribbon, string, or stickers to give them a more personal touch.
These are a few of the many eco-friendly ways you can wrap your gifts this holiday season! You can try these out at home and make this holiday season more memorable and sustainable.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Final Thoughts
While wrapping paper can be convenient, it often ends up in the trash – which is bad for the environment. To be more sustainable this holiday season, consider using recycled paper, fabric, or even old maps as wrapping material. You can also reuse wrapping paper from last year to save money and reduce waste.