Six Plastic Free Wrapping Paper Options for a Plastic Free Christmas
Did you know that we waste 227,000 miles of wrapping paper in the UK each year? Much of the wrapping paper we use isn’t 100% paper – it contains plastic. While it might look pretty, the plastic that we add to paper to give it shine or a metallic appearance actually makes it unrecyclable. Instead, it ends up in a landfill where it will likely sit for decades before breaking down into harmful microplastics. The solution is simple – plastic free wrapping paper. There are plenty of options out there, and with just a little bit of extra effort, you can give the gift of a plastic free Christmas.
1. Reuseale Fabric Gift Wrap
You can use this fabric gift wrap every year and for every occassion! Not only are you giving a great gift, but you’re also giving art. The wrap is 100% organic cotton and is furoshiki-style. These fabric wraps feature artwork from local artists in Toronto, Canada and include twine and a recyclable card. At the end of useful life, the fabric wrap is compostable and will break down within two to five months.
2. Recycled Wrapping Paper
This recycled plastic free wrapping paper is 100% post-consumer waste unbleached pulp, printed with vegetable based ink. It’s recyclable, and 5% of profits from the purchase of this wrapping paper are donated to charity. Plus, it includes matching tags!
3. Wrappily Recycled Gift Paper
This unique wrapping paper is printed on recycled newspaper, using soy-based ink and repurposed printing press machines. It’s recyclable or compostable in both backyard and industrial facilities. It includes no toxic ingredients and is shipped in a plant material bag, which is compostable.
4. Cloth Gift Wrap Pouches
These festive cloth bags from Ellie’s Eco Shop are handmade from 100% cotton. With a drawstring top, you can simply add your gift and pull the top closed – easy! Since they’re cotton, they’re compostable at end of useful life, though you should be able to reuse these gift bags every year. They also arrive in eco-friendly sugar cane mailing bags.
5. Kraft Paper
Kraft paper is just that – paper! This makes it recyclable or compostable. This brand in particular has no plastic dowel at the centre, so there’s no additional waste to worry about. You can leave the paper as is, or get creative and draw your own designs on it, which is a great activity for kids to get involved with gift wrapping.
6. DIY Wrapping Paper
Of course, the most eco-friendly thing you can do is repurpose what you already have. Using newspapers, paper grocery bags, and excess cloth are great plastic free wrapping paper options that you likely already have lying around the house. Spruce them up with a bit of ribbon or twine, and you have a festive gift.
What’s your favourite plastic free wrapping paper option? Let me know in the comments below!
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