Gift-giving has always been a wonderful tradition, but the mountains of discarded wrapping paper that follow can be an environmental concern. It’s difficult to imagine the sheer amount of wrapping paper that ends up in landfills, creating unnecessary waste.
Fortunately, there are creative and environmentally friendly alternatives that can make your gifts both beautiful and sustainable!
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1. Reusable fabric wraps
Inspired by the Japanese art of Furoshiki, fabric wrapping is an elegant and eco-conscious way to wrap up a gift. Use beautiful silk scarves, tea towels, or specially designed fabric wraps that can be reused multiple times. These versatile wrappings can become part of the gift itself, adding an extra layer of thoughtfulness to your present. Cotton, silk, or linen fabrics work particularly well and can be decorated with simple ribbons or pins for added flair.
2. Mason jar
Using a glass container, such as a mason jar, is a great way to wrap up a small to medium sized gift. Mason jars can be beautifully decorated with ribbons, twine, or custom labels. After the gift is unwrapped, the jar can be used for storage, meal prep, or as a decorative container. Fill the jar with smaller gifts like homemade treats, bath salts, craft supplies, or create a layered gift experience that makes the packaging as exciting as the present itself.
3. Craft paper
Simple and recyclable, brown craft paper is a sustainable gift wrapping staple. It’s a blank canvas that can be personalised by stamping designs, drawing patterns, or using natural elements like leaves or twigs for decoration. Children can even help decorate the paper, making the wrapping process a fun, creative activity that will end up in a cherished piece of art for a loved one to cherish.
4. Shopper bags
Stores like Woolworths stock gorgeous shopper bags often made in collaboration with local artists. These can be repurposed as a gift wrap, and the recipient can make use of the shopper bag once they’ve unwrapped their prezzie.
5. Plantable wrapping paper
Innovative and magical, plantable wrapping paper is embedded with seeds that can be planted after use. This creates a beautiful, sustainable cycle where the wrapping itself becomes a gift to the environment. Look at local companies like Growing Paper – they manufacture a number of items including paper sleeves, tags, envelopes and notebooks that are plantable.
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