Whether you use it to seal envelopes or wrap gifts, switch to plastic-free packing tape. Most packing tapes on the market are made from plastic and cannot be recycled at end of use. Even ones that claim to be biodegradable (bioplastic) can usually only break down in an industrial composting facility.
They also tend to easily tangle into a sticky mess that you often have to throw in the bin, and due to not being biodegradable, discarded plastic tape is even more a a choking hazard for pets and children. Bees Kraft Packing Tape can be torn by hand or with scissors. If packing something more substantial, use with biodegradable bubble wrap (below) and biodegradable packing peanuts.
Keep all tape away from pets and young children. If used, Coccoina Glue Stick is less toxic (still toxic to pets and supervise children). Don’t buy the tin version, as the brush contains pig hair.
Never leave string/ribbon in the garden for birds (they have made nests for thousands of years without our help). This (along with human hair, pet fur and lint from washing machines) can choke or harm.
Cascayde is a good brand of sustainable packing tape and wrap, all free from plastic. The range includes plain and Christmas tape.
Fragile Packing Tape is compatible with standard tape dispensers.
Paper Bubble Wrap is made from recycled paper, and the perfect alternative to plastic bubble wrap. Honeycomb Protective Wrap has interlocking cells to protect fragile items, as an alternative to bubble wrap or foam.
