Traditional wrapping paper often contains plastic or metallic coatings, which make it difficult to recycle. In the UK, it’s estimated that around 227,000 miles of wrapping paper—equivalent to more than nine times the circumference of the Earth—is used and discarded each Christmas (source: businesswaste.co.uk). Sadly, most of this paper will end up in landfills, contributing to environmental damage.
Fortunately, there are many easy ways you can start to make your wrapping more eco-friendly and still have great looking gifts.
Here are my top tips to help you get started.
Reduce: consider how and when you wrap your gifts, taking your time to reduce waste by avoiding excess materials.
Plan who you will be wrapping for and the type of shapes your gifts are.
Spend time wrapping mindfully instead of waiting until the last minute. It will help you enjoy it more and waste less.
Stand up to wrap and use a firm surface. If you don’t have a table you could use a desk, kitchen worktop or even your ironing board!
Reuse: repurposing wrapping paper given to you, re-using gift bags, trying fabric wraps, and even using old newspapers or maps are great wrapping options.
Check what’s left from last year and what you have that you could re-purpose as wrapping materials.
Don’t throw everything out this Boxing Day! Make a little time after Christmas to sort out the wrapping materials and keep things ready for next year.
Recycle: when buying new paper, look for the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) logo or choose a paper made from recycled materials.
Opt for matt paper, checking it doesn’t have a coating, glitter or added embellishments.
Kraft paper is also great for wrapping as it is both recyclable and biodegradable (there are coloured options as well as traditional brown paper).
Replace: In the UK we use around 40 million rolls of tape each year! (Source GWP group, 2024).
Many tapes contain plastic meaning that even if you choose a recyclable paper your paper will probably end up in landfill.
So swap to zero plastic tape or better yet paper tape (there are lots of lovely designs) instead. I always recommend you remove the tape before recycling too.
Up your skills! I recommend learning some simple wrapping techniques to help you slow down and enjoy being more mindful when you wrap.
My online guides and masterclasses are designed to help you get better at wrapping using ideas that are simple quick and of course, use materials that reduce the impact on the environment.
Eve Cale is the founder of Giftwrapped by Eve and can help you learn eco-giftwrapping for your own gifts or products you sell in your business. For more tips and ideas follow Eve on Instagram @giftwrappedbyeve
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