Rather than waste trees by purchasing gift wrap made from virgin paper (often coated with plastic foil that can’t be recycled, and wrapped in more plastic), switch to recycled gift wrap paper instead. You can now find lots of lovely designs, if you choose to use disposable wrapping paper. choose brands made from recycled paper. This post also includes information on plastic-free packaging and a Japanese art of wrapping gifts that just uses cloth, tied in a clever way so no tape is needed. Above is Curlicue (recycled wrapping paper). Use with plastic-free packing tape.
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.
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.
Beautiful Recycled Gift Wrapping Paper
All these selections are printed on post-consumer paper and come in zero waste packaging. So at end of use, either carefully unwrap and use again, or recycle easily. Most are sold in packs of folded paper (for an extra charge, most will send by the roll).
Curlicue offers lots of lovely recycled gift wrap designs, with matching gift tags. Printed locally with eco inks, the range is illustrated with designs from favourite artists.
The Best Zero Waste Gift Tags
It’s popular when giving gifts, to write a gift tag to the recipient. These are free from plastic, glitter, foil and nylon string. Most gift wrap and tags are made from ‘sustainable paper’ that uses chemicals for fast-growing trees that are chopped down). This is a simple swap that can save trees, reduce plastic and give a more unique tag. Stars at Dawn Gift Cards are printed with nontoxic inks on recycled card. Sold in sets of 3 or 5. Do not use plantable gift tags in homes with pets, as many wildflowers are toxic to them.
Stars at Dusk Gift Card are printed with nontoxic inks on recycled card. Sold in sets of 3 or 5.
These recycled paper ‘sweet love’ gift tags are made from paper that has already been used, therefore saving trees. Ideal for Valentine’s Day or special occasions, the bespoke design is super-cute and printed using a waterless and chemical-free process in the UK, to keep the carbon footprint low.
The Best Zero Waste Gift Bags
Reusable gift bags are alternatives to those plastic-lined foil bags that you see sold in gift shops. Not only are they one-time use, wasteful and expensive, but due to the glitter and gold, most have to go in the trash, as the plastic lining means they can’t be recycled. These gift bags acan be reused or recycled due to being made from natural materials, but they are also are more interesting. In fact, you’ll likely want to use some of them for other purposes. This fabric gift bag is from Linen & Lisle.
