Lean gift wrapping strategy

It’s the season for gifts! As Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the winter solstice, New Year’s celebrations, and winter birthdays approach, you’re probably thinking about finding the perfect gift for your loved one. You’ll probably wrap it in festive wrapping paper, much of which can’t be recycled.

Before you buy traditional wrapping paper and bows, check out these zero-waste gift wrapping alternatives for the green holiday season.

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Check your local paper recycling regulations

Wrapping paper is often safe to recycle as long as it doesn’t contain glitter or plastic decorations. it’s wrapping paper just paper Usually recyclable. You can also choose the simplest wrapping paper, such as upcycling newspaper, paper bags, magazines, maps, or any other paper that you know can be recycled locally. Tissue paper, on the other hand, is a very low-quality paper and cannot always be recycled.

Before purchasing wrapping paper, check with your local recycling facility to understand what types of paper they will accept.

Eliminate plastic tape

Even if you know you can recycle wrapping paper in your area, it’s best to avoid plastic tape. Yes, you can usually recycle the paper with the tape on it. But that tape will eventually be processed from paper pulp and sent to a landfill anyway. Therefore, avoid plastic waste.

Here’s one way to fold paper without using tape.

1. Cut the paper to cover the entire package and 2 inches long.
2. Next, cut the paper into squares.
3. Make sure it’s in the correct position by adjusting the box diagonally and pulling the paper over it so the box just covers both corners. Then pull the other side of the paper over the present.
4. Use your fingernail to firmly crease the bottom edge of the paper. Then place this edge along the corner of the paper on top of the box and gently fold the inside. Suddenly one corner is completed!
5. Do the same on the opposite side. This leaves one side open.
6. This last step requires folding the two tail ends together. Fold the tail of the plastic wrap into the first fold and you’re done.

watch this video Watch a demonstration of Beat the Bush’s tapeless wrapping technique.

If you want to skip folding, you have another option:

Wrap the package as usual, but wrap the ribbon around the package instead of tape to secure it. We recommend not using single-use plastic ribbons. Instead, consider being compostable twinecompostable/reusable burlap ribbonor reusable fabric ribbon.

wrap the gift in fabric

The right fabric can be a great alternative to wrapping paper to make your gift luxurious. Cloth is much more durable than paper and is reusable. Fold the fabric around the gift and secure with pins, fancy upcycled brooches, or ribbon.

You can also choose to wrap the gift in a “candy” style by tying twine around each side of the gift, similar to wrapping candy. Be sure to reuse the fabric every year. It’s great if both you and the gift recipient can agree to reuse and replace the cloth wrapping every year.

Create or buy reusable cloth gift bags

Take the cloth route a step further and use reusable cloth bags for each holiday. You can buy ready-made bags or make your own.

To make a cloth gift bag:

1. Take a square or rectangular piece and border the two opposite ends.
2. Fold the fabric in half (right sides together) and sew the sides.
3. If desired, you can sew a length of fabric or ribbon near the top edge to close the bag. Alternatively, you can secure the bag with twine or ribbon.

Clumsy people can purchase ready made reusable cotton bags — No sewing required.

Use recyclable bags

Many of us use and reuse holiday bags every year, which is a great eco-friendly habit. But when that bag eventually wears out, most gift bags are “plasticized” paper and cannot be recycled. Instead, please use recyclable gift bags It’s made of paper. You can decorate it by drawing pictures or adding consumable decorations such as chocolates.

Let’s make a paper gift box

You can customize the size and color of the gift box and make it yourself. Before you start, be sure to choose a type of paper or cardboard that can be recycled locally.

check out collect beauty Click here to learn how to make a variety of gift boxes and bags, including this one. easy diy gift box and this gift box with lid. Once done, simply secure the box with twine or ribbon to keep your gift safe.

If you’re still looking for gift ideas, check out our holiday gift guide and visit: package free shop Makes a great zero waste gift. Want more holiday wrapping ideas? Read on for 11 low-waste gifts that are DIY or alternative to buying.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on December 9, 2020 and updated in December 2024.