I was chatting with a friend about eco-friendly gift wrapping and mentioned, “My family has been passing around the same gift bows since the 1990s!” I expected her to be impressed, or at least amused. Instead, she smirked. Her family has been reusing the same holiday wrapping paper for years.
After carefully unwrapping their gifts, my friend’s mom irons the wrapping paper and carefully rolls it up for future use. Friends, I was gobsmacked. Growing up, I thought repurposing whipping cream containers as Tupperware was hardcore, but reusing wrapping paper? That’s next level.
To be clear, I do not recommend ironing your wrapping paper (sounds like a fire hazard), but our moms had the right idea. The most eco-friendly gift wrapping is the kind you can use over and over.
Yes and no.
If you’re careful, wrapping paper can be reused, but only plain wrapping paper can be recycled. If the wrapping paper has foil, glitter, or is laminated (you’ll know it’s laminated if it doesn’t tear easily), it has to go to the landfill. Glossy paper is okay as long as it’s unadorned.
Remember to remove:
Tape Tags Ribbons BowsIn general, tissue paper is not recyclable, because the paper fibers are very short. Even if tissue paper is labeled as recyclable, it’s important to confirm your local municipality will accept it.
Aspirational recycling, aka
If you’re using a reusable gift box or a drawstring gift bag, you may be wondering what to do about the non-recyclable tissue paper? Good news! You likely have some tissue paper substitutes in your home already. You can:
Shred wrapping paper that can’t be recycled or reused. Or cut magazine pages, newspaper or kraft paper into strips. Wrap the item in fabric scraps, a handkerchief, tea towel or cut up old clothes or sheets.Sometimes, you just need to wrap a gift. Maybe you have an oddly-shaped object that won’t fit in a box or basket. Or maybe you have to ship the item and want to avoid using a heavy jar or bulky box.
Here are some good wrapping paper alternatives:
Old maps Colorful pages from a magazine Newspaper Children’s artwork Brown paper tied with colorful ribbon or string Clean, inside out snack bags
If your recipient is the type of person who expects traditional gift wrap, consider this environmentally-friendly wrapping paper from Wrappily. It’s recyclable, compostable and supports a Maui-based business.
Also, as mentioned above, plain wrapping paper (no foil, glitter or lamination) is recyclable.
Studies show, most people value experiences more than things which means the best gifts don’t need to be wrapped at all. Share the gift of adventure with a PADI eLearning® gift card or Discover Scuba Diving® voucher from a local dive shop.
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