As satisfying as it is to rip into a beautifully wrapped package and unlock the gift contents within, all that pretty wrapping paper can be quite wasteful. Due to the shiny, laminated-like surface of most wrapping papers, they are not recyclable. So what’s a person to do? Here are a few wrapping paper alternatives.

Kraft Paper

One of my favorite wrapping paper alternatives is kraft paper. Wrapping your packages in craft paper gives them a rural touch while making them 100% recyclable. Because there are no inks or bleaching used when making craft paper, it’s totally biodegradable. Many brands also use recycled paper in their construction of kraft paper, so it’s partially recycled before you even recycle it! And packages wrapped in kraft paper do look so cute and country. I often do this because I love the look. Tie them off with some gingham or bailing twine “ribbons” to complete the rural gift look.

An even more eco-friendly and zero-waste spin on this is to save packing paper. When you mail order an item, many companies use plain brown paper as packing material. Save this paper to use later to wrap gifts in. The packing paper is often large in size so you can wrap a big gift, or several small ones with it.

Or if you have horses, those brown paper sacks of oats and sweet feed are just perfect to recycle as gift wrap. Often there’s a double layer, so at least one of them will be clean enough to use for wrapping packages.

Upgrade the Newspaper Method

One of the more common wrapping paper alternatives is newspaper. Wrapping packages in newspapers has been around for a long time. It’s a great way to save money, but it’s not always the prettiest way to wrap a package (unless of course you’re using issues of the Daily Prophet. Then by all means, wrap away with that newspaper!). But you can “upgrade” this method by using pictures from old magazines, old calendar photos, or even old maps if you have a travel-lover on your gift list. It’s prettier than plain newspapers, but just as inexpensive.

Fabric Wrapping

You can also wrap packages in fabric. Though it’s not as common as wrapping paper alternatives go, it can make a very unique package. Take a square or a rectangle, and basically tie the fabric around the package. You can use the corners of the fabric to tie it to itself securely, or fasten it with fabric ribbons. If the recipient happens to be someone who sews, they’ll get to use the fabric later too. If not, they can reuse the fabric to wrap another gift, since it doesn’t tear.

Eco-friendly Wrapping Paper

If you still want the more classic wrapping paper look, without all the bad stuff in traditional wrapping paper, try some recycled papers. Check out EarthHero, World Market, and Fishlips for recycled wrapping papers made from post consumer paper and fabric scraps. They come in a variety of designs.

Unlaminated Wrapping Paper

If you absolutely must have classic style wrapping paper, look for the kind with a plain finish. It’ll be unlaminated, no glitter, no foil. Basically just printed paper. This type of wrapping paper is more recyclable.

And don’t forget to reuse it. When you’re opening, open carefully so you can save the paper. It can often be used for years to wrap smaller and smaller packages. It creates less waste since you’re not just throwing it all out every year. And that’s not just good for the planet, it’s good for the wallet too!

Leave me a comment below and let me know what you use as eco-friendly wrapping paper alternatives.

By Amber Reifsteck, The Woodland Elf

The information provided on this website is for general information purposes only. If you choose to rely on the information on this website, you do so at your own risk and you assume responsibility for the results. (Full disclaimer here)

Enjoy this post? Click here to subscribe by email and get new posts delivered to your inbox.

Ads by Google