With the holidays approaching, consumers are increasingly looking for eco-friendly home gift wrapping and packaging solutions.
Consumers are also more aware of the potential environmental impacts of single-use packaging.
Fortunately, there are several ways to make simple swaps that will significantly reduce your waste and the impact on the planet. Try these easy shifts to help you go green this holiday season!
Reusable
Many of us waste pounds of gift wrap, ribbon, and tape after the holidays. This is a problem that has a serious environmental impact and it is easy to make small changes to lessen the impact you have on the planet.
Reusable gift wrapping and packaging solutions are an excellent way to keep your waste down as well as reduce the amount of paper and other materials that go into our landfills. This type of packaging is not only environmentally friendly, but it also makes your gifts look great!
Instead of using paper to wrap your gifts, you can use other materials such as maps, brown paper bags and even magazines. They are great for creating unique gift wraps that you can reuse again and again.
Another alternative is to use natural materials such as sprigs from the tree or pine cones, flowers, and sweet gum tree balls. These are easy to find and make a lovely natural alternative to traditional bows.
Biodegradable
The holidays are always a good time to think about eco-friendly home gift wrapping and packaging solutions, but there’s no need to sacrifice the look of your presents. Using biodegradable paper and ribbons will help to lessen the amount of plastic that goes into landfill every year, and it’s also a great way to show your recipients how much you care about the environment.
If you’re feeling really creative, use natural materials like sprigs of rosemary or holly for a festive touch. They won’t break down as quickly in the landfill, and they’ll leave your gifts smelling delicious!
For wrapping smaller gifts, try paper gift bags that are made from recycled materials and can be reused again. These bags have a rustic finish that is both beautiful and eco-friendly.
Alternatively, shredded void fill is another excellent addition to your packaging that’s biodegradable and recyclable, meaning it’s great for protecting items during transit. Pair it with tied sisal twine for a stylish and eco-friendly gift bag.
Recyclable
Recyclable gift wrapping and packaging solutions are an eco-friendly choice. They reduce the amount of waste sent to the landfill and can be reused over and over again.
Generally, most wrapping paper is recyclable as long as it’s plain paper (a scrunch test should tell you). Non-paper additives like dyes, laminations and gold/silver designs or glitter can prevent it from being recycled.
In addition, most paper that has been coated in plastic or foil should not go into the recycling bin. It’s also best not to mix recyclable paper with other recyclable materials because it can cause issues in the machinery at the recycling facility.
Another great way to avoid paper waste is to use second-hand fabric. Look for old pillowcases, tablecloths and scarves in your local thrift stores and use them to wrap gifts.
Sustainable
Eco-friendly home gift wrapping and packaging solutions are an excellent way to reduce your impact on the environment. They also save you money and time, which is especially important this season.
Typically, holiday gift wraps end up in the trash after being used – that’s a lot of waste. The amount of wrapping paper produced each year generates tons of greenhouse gas emissions and landfill waste.
A great way to reduce this waste is to use reusable containers like glass jars or cookie tins for packaging gifts.
Instead of shiny or sparkly wrap, try using natural fibers, such as cotton or hemp ribbons and twines. These can be reused as a sustainable alternative to conventional paper wrap for years to come and are recyclable.
Adding ribbon, glitter and other accessories to the packaging may seem like a fun way to embellish your presents but all of these materials can be a stumbling block to effective recycling and composting. They can contain plastic, adhesives and metal particles that contaminate the EOL disposal process.