Think Green when Wrapping Gifts

Wrapping paper may be colorful and festive, but it wastes a huge number of resources to achieve that effect. Instead, when bundling your gifts for Christmas, Mother’s Day, Easter, or birthdays, consider one of these “green” alternatives:

1. “Wrap” your gift in a useful container. Instead of disposable wrapping paper, conceal your gift in a basket, decorative (and re-useable) box, or canvas bag.

2. Use recycled wrapping paper. Many companies now sell recycled wrapping paper. Look for those using soy-based dyes. If you can’t find such paper locally, visit FishLips Paper Designs or Gaiam to order online.

3. Use non-traditional materials as wrapping paper. Recycle your own newspaper, aluminum foil, or maps as unique–and “green”–wrapping paper.

4. Adorn your packages with nature. Instead of using foil swirls and ribbon, tie your packages together with hemp twine and adorn them with sprigs of nature, such as bayberry branches, holly sprigs, and dried flowers.

5. Do without tape. Your package will be secure if you carefully fold the seams of your paper and tie it together with twine.

6. Give a living gift. Forget the wrapping altogether and give a small tree or plant as a gift. Not only are you saving wrapping paper, but you’re adding to the landscape.

Do you have any green gift wrapping tips? Share them with readers by posting a comment below.

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