Sustainable Gift Wrapping

By Ella Saddler

Brown paper packages tied up with string, a sustainably wrapped gift will be one of your favorite things! There is something about wrapping a gift with as much thought as the gift itself that is truly magical. We are here to talk about gift wrap that gives back. Feel even better about the gifts you give with gift wrap that holds a sustainable story.

Here’s the thing - most wrapping paper, the glittery, metallic stuff you pick up almost anywhere, isn’t recyclable . Most wrapping papers are coated with plastics which means their life ends in the trash. Here are a few different ways to wrap beautifully and sustainably with wrapping options that can be reused or recycled.

Plus, read on to get a few tips on how to stay sane and sustainable this holiday season.

1. Keep It Simple

Simple Kraft paper is the perfect base for an elegantly and eco-friendly wrapped gift. Kraft paper is not coated in plastic so it can be recycled! Get ready to reuse a box you already have from those cyber Monday purchases and wrap it up in Kraft paper. With a little help from:

Washi Tape — completely biodegradable and recyclable
OR Kraft Tape — Stickier than Washi Tape. Carton-sealing tape is not always 100% recyclable, but it does not inhibit the substrate it is stuck to from being recycled, which is what’s important.
Twine —made out of natural fibers i.e. cotton, hemp, jute, and manila ropes
And a bit of greenery

You’ll have beautifully wrapped gifts that are fun to unwrap and easy to recycle.

2. Practical Papers

You don’t have to give up glittery festive paper we promise! For those of you that love the sparkly wrapping paper there IS a solution. There are plenty of beautifully patterned sustainable wrapping papers out there! We love Wrappily papers because they offer wrapping paper printed on 100% recyclable and compostable newsprint. And if you want to add an extra touch, this gorgeousperfectly imperfect ribbon is made of 100% hand-dyed silk.

3. Cute Cloths

A unique and beautiful way to sustainably wrap gifts this season is with cloth. This method of wrapping is also known as Furoshiki which is both a style of gift wrapping and the name of traditional Japanese cloth.

At Fabric Wrapping Co. you can find different sizes and styles of cloth for any gift this season . These cloths can be reused and repurposed for more gift wrapping or tied together to use as reusable bags. Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can also use cloth napkins or scrap pieces of craft fabric to wrap your gifts.

Tips to stay sane and sustainable this holiday season:

Choose Eco-Friendly Materials . Kraft paper, twine, greenery, scrap fabric or sustainable fabric (look for organic if cotton) and silk ribbon are all eco-friendly materials that will make any gift look elegant.
Plan ahead . So much easier said than done but throughout the year begin to collect and order your eco-friendly wrapping supplies! Then once the holiday season comes around you’ll be calm and ready to sustainably wrap.
Reuse . Don’t hesitate to save boxes, cloth wrapping paper, and dried greenery from gifts you have received for the next year.

Happy Holidays!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ellla Saddler is the Brand Account Manager at SISTAIN and has a background in design, dance, and visual arts. She celebrates her love of nature, beauty and connection through her passion for living mindfully and sustainably.