The best gifts come in sustainable packages!
Approximately 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper is produced in the U.S. each year with 2.3 million pounds ending up in the landfill.
Holiday wrapping paper is often coated in plastic or foil causing it to be non-recyclable. If the wrapping paper is metallic, has glitter on it, or has a texture to it, it is not recyclable. Gift wrap mistakenly put in the recycling cart harms the value of other collected paper at the recycling center.
Beautiful paper like these: glitter, metallic, textured and reversible are NOT recyclable gift wrap.
If it feels like plain paper, not slick or wax coated, or is made from recycled paper, then it’s a wrapping paper that can be recycled. Another way to test recyclability is to crush the paper into a ball. If it stays bunched up, it is likely recyclable.
An eco-friendly gift is thoughtful for the recipient and the planet! Check out these tips for a greener holiday.
Reusable Gift Wrap and Recycled Paper
If the holiday rush has you hustling and there’s no time for crafting, consider purchasing a reusable alternative. Fabric gift wraps, nice tea towels, scarves and bandannas make excellent choices.
For wrapping boxes, try using found newspaper or purchasing wrapping paper made with recycled content. Really get in to the recycling spirit with these two simple crafts and make your own gift box or hand-made bow this holiday season.
Shopping Bag Bow
Materials:
- Paper – shopping bag, newspaper, etc.
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Double-sided tape
Instructions:
Cut your paper into nine strips, each ¾ of an inch wide. Next, measure and cut the length. You’ll need three strips that are 11” long, three strips that are 10” long, two strips that are 9” long and 1 strip that is 3 1/2” long.
Using one strip of paper at a time, twist each end toward the center until they meet in the middle and create a loop. Secure the ends in place with double-sided tape. Repeat with the remaining eight strips, with the exception of the 3 ½” inch strip; loop that one into a circle.
Start with the three longest strips of paper and begin stacking in descending order by size; largest on the bottom. Secure each loop in place with tape. Finish with the circle loop in the center. Attach your bow on top of your gift wrapped in recyclable paper.
Create a Gift Box
Turn any recycled card stock into a gift box. Find old record covers, cereal boxes, or old shipping boxes and make a custom box for a loved one.
Materials:
- Card stock
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Hot glue or double sided tape
Instructions for an 8 inch square box:
Trim two pieces of card stock into a square that is 12” wide and long.
For the top: Draw a line 2” wide on each side. For the bottom: Draw a line 2 ¼” wide on each side. Press firmly to score lines but not too hard or you might cut or tear the cardstock. See image below.
Use scissors to lightly score along the lines
Cut alternating flaps as marked on the image below. Fold along all four scored lines on each piece of card stock. Use glue or tape to secure each corner flap inside the longer, side piece of the box.
Tip: use clothespins to secure corners while glue is drying
Once glue dries or the corners are secured with tape, you have a custom, upcycled box to fill with a special gift for friends, family or the holiday gift swap at the office.
