Are you all done preparing your presents? If you haven't gotten around to wrapping them, here are a few tips!
Please use alternative wrapping materials that will not add to the tons of trash that pile up by this season of gift-giving. Use wrapping materials that can be reused and recycled, or made from materials that can be upcycled.
No to Glossy or Metallic Gift Wrappers
Glossy or metallic paper is hard to recycle because of the metallic and plastic elements used in making them. They cannot always be reused either because they form too many creases or folds. Sure the gift looks pretty and elegant, but the wrapping paper goes straight to the trash can afterward.
And can we also say "no" to plastic packing peanuts and plastic bubble wrap? Old newspapers can also protect breakables when wrapped snugly around them. Shredded paper from the office paper shredder can also be an alternative to all the plastic.
Reuse Gift Wrappers
This year, it would be good to include a reminder to gift recipients to unwrap their presents carefully so they can recycle the wrapping paper for next year, or for the gifts they’re going to give to others. This also goes for the boxes and the ribbons. Store the wrapping papers, ribbons, and bows carefully in a box for use next year.
Choose Alternatives
We do not always have to put our presents in carton boxes and wrap them in glittery paper. We can use jars, bottles, native gift boxes, even handkerchiefs and bandanas or scarves. All of these can be reused and doubles as another gift apart from the contents.
If you really want to wrap gifts in paper, use kraft paper or recycled paper. You can also use the same paper to make ribbons, and the gifts can be personalized as well with a bit of creative effort! Paint Christmassy images on the paper and show off your art skills.
Leftover fabric can also be used to wrap presents, as well as fabric from clothes you are no longer using but cannot bear to throw or give away because you love the print.
Pages from old calendars can also make pretty wrapping paper. This is a useful way to say goodbye and good riddance to this difficult year 2020!
The Paper Bag Gift
Clean grocery shopping bags and shopping bags can also be used as gift wrappers. They are also made of kraft paper and make sturdy wrapping materials. They can also be personalized with a bit of ribbon (also reused!) or paper washi tape. Also, make sure to save the tissue paper that comes with store-bought presents.
The ever-reliable cloth tote bag is also a good alternative. The recipient will appreciate both the bag and the gift. In many cases, these tote bags are made by non-government welfare groups helping abused women, abandoned children, and senior citizens. Buying their products helps them and also helps the environment because you cut down on glossy wrapping paper and plastic tape.
Clean up and keep the wrappers for next year
When you receive presents this year, make sure to unwrap and unbox carefully so you can use the wrapping and the box next year! Let us all make it a New Year’s Resolution to be more conscious about how we use paper and how we dispose of it. Everything ends up in the landfill and add to the trash problem every time we do not use it right and in sustainable ways.