If you use tape to secure gift wrap, switch to paper tape. This is free from plastic so safely biodegrades after use. It works just as well, and is also safer without mounds of sticky tape to get tangled up.
Read up on keeping pets safe at Christmas (decorative plants to keep away are holly, mistletoe, ivy, begonias, poinsettas and lilies).
Brand name Sellotape was created back during World War II to protect windows from bomb damage and seal ammunition boxes. Today it has its critics as most versions contain plastic, and you have to be careful of ‘greenwash’ as some tapes claim they are plastic-free when in fact being made from cellulose (wood pulp) does not gurantee that it’s not some kind of bio-plastic.
With over 6 million rolls sold in the Christmas period alone in the UK, it’s better to just support local artisans who make paper-tape (easy to tear and fit in sellotape holders) that you can tear off when needed, and it’s easy to compost.
Kite self-adhesive craft tape is sold in 3 sizes to seal boxes and large parcels, or to wrap gifts. It then biodegrades or composts after use. No water is needed to form a bond and it’s resistant to moisture and humidity, to stick to all carton surfaces.
Curlicue has an easy-peel, easy tear tissue backing, perfect to wrap gifts without paper or tags. Made in the UK, it leaves a professional finish and disentengrates when the paper is recycled. The ‘fingerlift’ tape has backing wider than the tape, so it’s easier to peel off and used, with a rubber-based adhesive that’s free from solves and animal products. Just place on gift wrap, peel off the white tissue backing, then stick the other side of the gift wrap on top.