Sustainable Gift Wrapping
Written By Erika Davis and Zoey Prevost
As we approach the holiday season, it's important to not only think about the gifts we give but also about how we present them. Traditional gift wrapping can be wasteful and harmful to the environment, but fear not! There are always alternatives to be found. We’ve compiled a few sustainable alternatives for you to consider that are just as fun and festive.
The Problem with Traditional Wrapping Paper
First, let's take a look at the problem with traditional gift wrapping. Wrapping paper is often made from first-use paper, meaning it's created from trees that have been cut down specifically for the purpose of making it, which contributes to deforestation and habitat loss for animals.
Furthermore, most wrapping paper is not recyclable due to additives such as dyes, glitters, plastic coatings, and other embellishments like foil. So even if we try to recycle it, it still often ends up in landfills where it can take years to break down.
Sure, you could scour the internet for hours to find “environmentally friendly wrapping paper”, and while that’s still a great idea in theory, it can quickly get expensive. Even if you do decide to go that route, a lot of the wrapping paper marketed as recyclable or eco-friendly still runs the risk of being, well, not.
Instead, let's look at what else can be done.
Option 1: Furoshiki, or Cloth Wrapping
One choice is reusable cloth gift bags. Known in Japan as furoshiki, it is considered by many to be a form of art, adding an extra beautiful and personal touch to the gift. These wrappings can be made from a variety of fabrics, such as burlap, cotton, or even old clothes that you no longer wear, and you can decorate them with fabric markers or stamps to add a personal touch. The best part is, they can be reused again and again, saving money and resources in the long run! Some families even turn it into a fun tradition to see just how many times a certain bag can be given back and forth over the years.
Option 2: Reusing Other Kinds of Paper
Another idea is to use newspapers or old maps to wrap gifts. Not only is this a great way to repurpose items that would otherwise be thrown away, it also adds a unique and interesting touch to your gift. You can even get creative and use comics or crossword puzzles from the newspaper to add a fun touch of personality.
Option 3: DIY With Household Items
If you're feeling particularly crafty, you can also make your own wrapping paper using items you already have at home. For example, you can use brown paper bags from the grocery store and decorate them with watercolors, stamps, or even cut-out shapes from old magazines. Old scarves and fabric scraps make a great wrapping paper alternative, giving your own spin on the furoshiki method mentioned earlier.
Option 4: Thinking Outside the Gift Box
If you want to forgo wrapping altogether, there’s also the option to gift someone an experience, rather than an object. This can include things like an activity they’ve wanted to do for years but kept putting off, or concert tickets to see their favorite musical artist live.
For those on your list who are especially outdoor minded, ABNC offers Green Gifts! These unique presents include the option to purchase a membership for someone special, a gift card that can be used on events or activities of their choosing, or simply donating in their honor. A great option for those in your life who are a little extra hard to shop for, and there’s no waste to worry about, either! Learn more about Green Gifts here: https://www.abnc.org/green-gifts
Make a Difference This Holiday Season
As you can see, there are many options other than traditional gift-wrapping that are just as fun and festive while still remaining more environmentally friendly. By using reusable cloth gift bags, repurposing old paper, making your own gift wrap, or by giving something that doesn’t need to be wrapped at all, you can give your gifts a unique and personal touch while also reducing waste and protecting the environment.
And while completely switching out your style of gift wrapping is a large and difficult task, the good news is that even incorporating a few sustainable options makes a difference. This holiday season, let's all do our part and choose some sustainable gift-wrapping options. Happy Holidays!