Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap
I came across a post on Re-nest (via Apartment Therapy) listing nine different ways to wrap your Christmas gifts in an environmentally friendly way. Thought it was definitely something worth sharing with you all. So, all credit to Re-nest (and for the image too), here’s some great eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas.
Reusable Gift Bags:
- Many companies are now offering reusable bags or sacks to be used instead of wrapping paper.
- WrapSacks adds something special, by including a tracking number allowing you to see where the bag has been and where it goes.
- Patagonia also has great gift bags made from leftover fabric but you’ll have to call them to get them.
- Make your own out of fabric scraps or old flannel sheets. Chewing the Cud also has beautiful reusable fabric wraps for gift wrapping.
- Now that reusable shopping bags are everywhere, choose a nice one from your favorite food coop and gift it.
Recycled Aluminum as Wrapping Paper: It’s shinny, recycled, and after the package is opened, you could use it to bbq.
Outdated or Surplus Maps: My mom has a drawer full of old maps from family trips taken when I was young. With the advent of GPS, paper maps are becoming less necessary so I wouldn’t feel too bad turning these into gift wrap and show someone where you’ve been!
The Wrap is a Gift: Giving a scarf, blanket or towel? Use it to wrap another gift and tie with a piece of hemp or twine.
Brown Paper Bags: Turned inside out, a paper bag makes a great wrapping material.
Newspaper / Funnies: Ever since I can remember, my grandma has used the comics to wrap our presents!
Green Package Padding: Our friends recently bought a paper shredder which is perfect for creating padding for packages from junk mail. I wouldn’t recommend buying one for this purpose alone, but chances are you know someone with one or have one at work.
Re-Purposed Gift Bags: The bags that new sheets come in, burlap sacks from rice, or the plastic ones from citrus – find a new use for what otherwise might be thrown away.
Eco Gift Paper: If you must abide by tradition and use gift paper, here are some green choices:
- Banana fiber paper made from wasted bark from banana production.
- Recycled Wrapping Paper printed using soy-based inks.
- Flower Seed holiday wrapping paper from Real Goods, biodegradable and ready to plant.
Written by: Sarah
Filed under: Design Stuff, Green Issues on December 3rd, 2009
