Green gift wrap

Did you know that if all the wrapping paper thrown away over Christmas in the UK was laid end to end, it would stretch 227,000 miles long? That’s like walking from Suffolk to the north pole and back 45 times on a carpet of fresh wrapping paper.

Many of us try to be careful with wrapping, using as little tape as possible and unwrapping gifts gently so the paper can be reused. Often, this is less about sustainability and more about frugality. However, despite people’s best efforts, plenty of wrapping still goes to waste.

Many people also think they’re doing their part by peeling off the tape and tossing the paper into the recycling bin so that it can be reborn as fresh paper. Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple, despite ‘paper’ being clearly in the name, much of the material used to wrap gifts is not actually recyclable.

Let’s unwrap the truth about sustainable gift packaging, because even a few scraps of non-recyclable paper or tape can contaminate an entire batch of recycling.

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To recycle, or not to recycle? That is the question.

When buying wrapping paper, the packaging may have a recycling label, but that’s not very helpful when you’re on the receiving end of a gift. If you’re unsure whether something is recyclable or not, there are a few red flags to look out for.

If it’s shiny and sparkly, it’s destined for the black bin. Glittery or metallic paper, though pretty, relies on non-recyclable materials to achieve its shimmer. Similarly, glossy paper is rarely recyclable, as it is often wax or plastic-coated.

One tip, if you’re unsure, is the scrunch test. If you scrunch the paper into a ball and it holds its shape, it’s likely recyclable. If it springs back, it’s probably not. Another general rule of thumb is that the more plain and matte the paper is, the more likely it is to be recyclable.

Making recyclable wrapping fun

But Christmas doesn’t have to be beige and dull! Sustainable wrapping can be exciting, and even recyclable sticky tape used sparingly doesn’t detract from the aesthetic. Even if you are using brown paper, you can jazz it up with reusable accents, such as ribbons, twine, or tied-on accessories, which can be saved by the recipient and reused.

You can also use biodegradable accents to spruce up your packaging, such as sprigs of holly, pinecones, clippings from the Christmas tree, or a vine of ivy, to transform a simple parcel into something festive. A simple bit of greenery slipped under a tied string can liven up any gift.

Out of the box ideas

If you’re feeling zany, there are plenty of ways to wrap gifts without buying new paper. Newspapers are a classic choice. If someone in your house reads the paper, save them up. They make excellent wrapping, and as they are already lying around, you’re sorted without spending a penny. Plus, if you can be clever and leave the sudoku or crossword visible for a Christmas brain teaser!

Any spare paper works, if it’s destined for the bin, give it a second life. Old magazines, a child’s homework and even junk mail can all become wrapping paper if you’re brave. Depending on your audience, you might get a laugh if you use a takeaway menu. And let’s be real, when it comes to kids’ presents, the wrapping rarely gets attention past 9am. So why not keep it resourceful and save yourself some money?

Furoshiki (now doesn’t that sound chic?)

Recently, the Japanese art of Furoshiki has gained popularity. It means wrapping gifts in fabric that can be tied in different ways and reused. Stylish and sustainable. What’s not to love?

That said, going out and buying lots of new fabric somewhat defies the sustainability aspect of it. Here are ways you can partake more sustainably:

Make the packaging part of the gift. Scarves, table runners, and even beeswax food wraps can be used to cover smaller gifts inside. That way, you’re gifting two-in-one.

Sourcing the fabric second-hand. Whether that’s cutting up a pinstripe work shirt that, despite all efforts, is destined for textile recycling or popping into a charity shop and looking for some unloved bed linen or curtains and giving them a new life, fabric packaging like this can then be passed along and reused. Where will your wrapping be in a few years? Who knows, but it could be out there, still wrapping gifts.

Get that bag (and reuse it)

Gift bags often get a bad rap as the ‘lazy option,’ but we’re huge fans of them, including the humble brown paper bag. They’re practical, reusable, and can be dressed up with a bit of creativity. Add charms, ribbons, or tags, and suddenly it’s personalised. Additionally, they can be reused for birthdays, anniversaries, and other occasions throughout the year, if the design isn’t season-specific.

When you’re giving in a group or leaving gifts under the tree, it’s essential to know whose gift is whose. You don’t want to hand the Ipswich fan a pair of green-and-yellow socks accidentally! Gift tags are the go-to option and can easily be made at home. A simple hack is to use old Christmas cards. Cut the back off, trim to the desired shape, and punch a hole, then thread some string through, and voilà, a homemade tag with a festive design.

Hopefully, that gives you a few ideas for making the festive season a little more sustainable. Every small effort helps, and being sustainable doesn’t have to be boring. Because let’s face it, the North Pole is getting warmer, and Santa’s wardrobe is very insulating.