Did you know that half the paper consumed in the U.S. every year is for wrapping and decorating items. According to a Stanford University finding, it is estimated that we create five million tons of waste from wrapping materials. Wrapping paper, bows, ribbons and boxes fill up a big portion of that too-stuffed trash bin. here’s no doubt that beautiful wrapping can add mystery and excitement to a gift, and you can make thoughtful choices that are kind to the earth. Ease the load going to the landfill by wrapping your gifts in repurposed items and reusable containers. Use up what you already have before you purchase more. Also consider buying gifts with less packaging or none at all.
Don’t buy any more gift wrap supplies unless you have to. Find inspiration from things lying around your house—shopping bags, newspaper ads, and the like. Once you start looking at material as potential gift wrapping aids, the possibilities are many. Old newspapers, leftover fabric, saved paper from received gifts, paper bags and magazine pages can all be used as gift wrap. Add items from around the house such as silk flowers, old ribbons or holiday greens from the yard. Vintage bags and boxes, vases or pottery or even a nice basket work well too.
Flatten torn wrapping paper that you cannot reuse, cardboard boxes and inserts from toys. Be sure to recycle old batteries and replaced electronics as well – locations are available online.
To put that finishing touch on a gift, try a dried orange slice, a homemade gingerbread cookie, pinecones or a pine branch, or cinnamon sticks. Let your imagination roll on reusable, low-impact and found objects that would make the gift stand out from the crowd while staying practical.
How will you green up your giftwrapping?