Wrapping Up Christmas
Photo by Ylanite Koppens, Pexels
It’s mid-December, and the countdown to the big day is on! You’ve carefully chosen thoughtful, meaningful gifts - ones that are better for your loved ones and the planet. But have you thought about how you’re going to wrap them?
The way we wrap gifts has a surprisingly big environmental impact. In the UK alone, an estimated 108 million rolls of wrapping paper are thrown away each Christmas, much of which ends up in landfill because it’s non-recyclable. Add to that over 40 million rolls of sticky tape and close to 100 million black bags of packaging waste, and it’s clear that our festive traditions come with a hefty cost to the planet.
But it doesn’t have to be this way! With a few simple swaps, you can wrap your presents sustainably while still keeping the magic of Christmas alive. Here are some easy, eco-friendly ideas for reducing waste this Christmas:
1. Reuse What You Already Have
Repurpose old gift bags, last year’s wrapping paper, or even plain shopping bags for a simple and stylish solution. Avoid materials with plastic coatings so they can be recycled afterward.
2. Go Natural
For a festive touch, swap glitter and foil for natural embellishments like pinecones, sprigs of pine or eucalyptus, or dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks and sprigs of rosemary. Combine with twine or fabric ribbons for a rustic look that’s 100% recyclable. I often have bits and pieces left over from wreath making / other festive crafts so its a great way to reduce wastage and saves money.
3. DIY Gift Tags
Make gift tags from leftover cards, paper scraps, or last year’s holiday cards. It’s a small, creative step that adds a personal touch.
4. Try Fabric Wrapping
Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva
Inspired by the Japanese art of Furoshiki, wrap gifts in scarves, tea towels, or even scrap fabric. Not only is this sustainable, but it also doubles as part of the gift!
5. Recycle and Simplify
Brown paper is a classic and fully recyclable option. Get creative with the kids by stamping or painting designs for a personal touch. Or you could use old newspapers / reading materials. When recycling wrapping paper, ensure you remove all the tape.
6. Rethink Tape and Ribbons
Use paper tape or reusable string and ribbons to secure your wraps, reducing waste from sticky tape.
By making these simple swaps, you can cut down on waste while still creating beautifully wrapped gifts. Let’s celebrate a Christmas that’s kinder to the planet, without losing any of the festive magic!