gifting-_with-ribbon.png

GIFT WRAPPING

Did you know that most wrapping paper is NOT recyclable? 83km sq is sent to landfill or burnt every Christmas. And that’s just Christmas! Ugh.

HOW TO TELL
If the gift-wrap is a little bit like the inside pages of a newspaper supplement or magazine, you’re probably fine - it’s worth checking the label or asking the retailer if you’re unsure. Wrapping paper CANNOT be put into the recycling if it:

  • Has glitter 

  • Uses foil (metallic / shiny inks)

  • Cannot be scrunched

  • Is covered in sellotape

  • Is not paper (!)

  • Has a plasticy coating

If your gift wrap is recyclable, make sure all the sellotape has been removed. It’s advisable to look for both recycled AND recyclable wrap - try Oxfam and Ethical.Market.  

OTHER OPTIONS
- You can do some really lovely things with pages from an old magazine, old road maps, calendars, or recycled brown wrap. Dressing these papers up with cotton ribbon, wool twine and / or stamps (check out Etsy for all these) is ultimately very satisfying and always gets a reaction. People love it when you’ve spent time to make something look nice for them, right? 

Reusable gift bags or Wrag Wrap. This is such a lovely idea, but you need to be sure the bags or rag will be used accordingly once passed on (or returned for reuse)!

Using decorated glass jars for small items can look great.

Using a terracotta plant pot and dish, tied with a ribbon is a nice, quirky idea.