Zero Waste Wrapping Paper Alternatives | Every single year, we landfill millions of pounds of wrapping paper. I occasionally see someone carefully unwrap gifts as to not damage the paper so that it can be reused. But ultimately, most is trashed.
And for the glittery or shiny papers, those aren’t even recyclable as they are coated with plastic.
Isn’t it always fun to spend about 20 minutes after everyone has unwrapped their holiday gifts cleaning up the waste?
We spend hours meticulously wrapping each and every gift, waste valuable money on wrapping paper, disposable gift bags, and bows, and give it to our loved ones to destroy – only to have it crumpled up inside a trash bag destined for the dump.Why do we do this to ourselves? Because it’s pretty?
Zero Waste Wrapping Paper Alternatives
Last Revised: 11/12/2020
Furoshiki
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Photo Credit: www.japanesestyle.com |
Cloth Gift Bags
Shirts/Clothing
Reusable Tins
Tins are so intrinsically Christmas. Especially when they are stuffed with something delicious. These are great for homemade goodies such as cookies, candy, cakes, or just about anything you can whip up. Of course, the contents don’t have to be edible.
My grandmas as always and still wraps all of our gifts in the funnies from the Sunday paper. I love it so much that I do it now when I can get my hands on a paper or two. She still used cereal boxes toaster pastry boxes, and cracker boxes to wrap gifts. We have so many Christmas videos of the kids opening the gifts screaming, “Yay – Pop Tarts!”, then realizing it’s something else. It was hilarious.
Recyclable Paper Packaging
Save paper stuffing from all of the packages you get throughout the year. It can be easily used to wrap gifts. I love the crinkled look of used brown paper. Always makes me sing, “Brown paper packaging tied up with strings!”
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Nothing
Don’t wrap the gifts. Simple as that!
Save yourself the money and hassle this year. Spend your time enjoying those special moments – not picking up trash.
I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday filled with love and happiness!
We use some fancy pillow shams, double them over and then fasten them with a sparkly ribbon. It makes wrapping so much easier and the gifts look great.