There’s no question that electronic services are much better for the environment than paper services, but holiday season means wrapping paper waste is going to be through the roof. Not only does it create a giant mess in your home, it creates a giant mess for the environment.
However, there are ways you can help. If you want to impress your friend and help save the planet this holiday season, here are a few eco-friendly ways you can wrap your gifts.
Fabric
Believe it or not, fabric is already a popular wrapping material. In fact, the trend became so prevalent in Japan that it’s actually become somewhat of an art form, deemed “furoshiki.” If you can find festive pillowcases or tablecloths that you no longer use, cut them up and get to wrapping.
Clay Flower Pots
If you’re a big fan of gifting plants or seeds, this is a no-brainer. Why wrap your gift in paper when you could put it in a beautifully decorated clay pot? If you’re all about simplicity, you don’t even have to decorate it. A simple ribbon can make for a minimalist, yet beautiful addition to this gift.
Newspaper
The truth is that wrapping paper is just that: paper. Turns out you can use just about any kind of paper for this job, but newspaper might be the easiest. Not only that, but the Sunday funnies can make for a colorful and humorous holiday gifting session.
Maps
If you love the newspaper idea but need more color, see what kind of maps you can find around your home. If you’re not using them, they make for excellent, colorful wrapping paper. Not only that, but you can even pinpoint your next vacation spot!
Reusable Gift Bags
Those who have come to terms with the fact that they’ll never master the art of gift wrapping have long put their faith in the gift bag, and you should, too. Not only are gift bags 10 times easier to use, they make zero messes. And just to make things better, they can be reused until they fall apart, which very well may be never.
If you’re concerned about global warming and recycling, and still have holiday shopping to do, consider one of these eco-friendly wrapping methods. You could save the environment and a bit of gift money at the same time.