Eco-Friendly Ways to Wrap Presents

Let us picture a perfect Christmas morning, birthday, or other occasion. We think of beautifully-wrapped presents with colorful ribbon bows and sparkly tape. Some gifts are wrapped so beautifully that we almost don’t want to open them. Excited children rip the wrapping paper off to see if Santa really got them what they wanted. Adults carefully unwrap the paper to save it for future use.

Here is what we can’t picture: chemicals from the wrapping paper released in the air and tiny pieces of micro plastics entering our bodies as we breathe. It is difficult for us to think of something as innocent as wrapping paper as a source of pollution or harm. But it is the reality.

Harmful Health & Environmental Effects of Traditional Wrapping Paper

1. They contain plastic, harmful chemicals, and toxic metals

Wrapping paper contains plastic and chemicals connected to cancer. As Dr. Sidney A. Katz told the American Chemical Society, the pigments in 17 gift wrap samples contained a variety of toxic metals, including copper and zinc, as well as lead and chromium. There are no regulations on use or disclosure of toxic metals in paper pigments. Some manufacturers, including Hallmark Cards Inc. which leads the field with over 200 wrapping paper designs, describe their products as lead-free. However, they have no certification or tests to back their assertions. These claims may be greenwashing attempts.

2. There are no eco-friendly ways to dispose of wrapping paper

Any method used to dispose them (even after reusing them multiple times) negative affects the environment. Some people burn them in a fireplace or fire pit. This releases the harmful chemicals into the air for us to breathe in. They are not recyclable either, as they contain plastic. The inks used to make the paper pretty are not easily recyclable either.

Despite our best efforts at cleaning, glitter from wrapping paper will find their way into the drains. They eventually enter lakes and oceans, harming marine life.

Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap Alternatives

Does this mean you should stop wrapping gifts? There are eco-friendly ways to wrap gifts and preserve the fun. Here are some eco-friendly ways to wrap your presents:

1. Furoshiki

The Japanese art of Furoshiki is simply using cloth to wrap something. It is traditionally used to carry items while traveling. Upcycle a shirt, pants, bedsheet, or towel you already have to wrap your gifts. This is also a good way to save some money.

2. Kraft paper

There is a certain charm to hassle-free rustic brown kraft paper. It is reusable, 100% recyclable, and available in large rolls. Be sure to skip the plastic tape. Instead, use kraft paper tape or make a homemade glue with all-purpose flour and water. Tie the gift up with a jute rope or cotton thread and stick in a sprig of rosemary for the aesthetic.

3. Eco-friendly gift bags

Apart from alternative wrapping options, you can just use a plain reusable cotton gift bag. If you’re good with the needle, you can stitch a bag as big or as small as you want using an old t-shirt or sheets.

4. Newspaper 

If you have some newspapers lying around, use it to wrap a present.

5. Glass jars

These are great when you’re gifting some homemade cookies or jams. You can buy them or clean empty pasta sauce jars. Tie a cute burlap ribbon and decorate the jars with some leaves.

Sustainable Gift Wrapping for a Healthier You & Planet

The uncountable amounts of wrapping paper we use for the numerous presents we give each year have a detrimental effect on the environment. The above unique ways to wrap presents can make a big difference for the planet and help you save money in the long run.

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