Many families are unaware that wrapping paper is not a recyclable item in many areas. It apparently contains too much ink to feasibly recycle. Yesterday I requested ideas for wrapping paper alternatives from fans on our Facebook page. The response was so wonderful, that I thought I would share some of the ideas here. Our list is by no means conclusive and we'd love to hear more ideas!
Wrapping Paper Alternatives:
- Reuse old wrapping paper, carefully removed from previous gifts received and folded and saved.
- Wrap gifts in fabric which can be easily saved and reused. Fasten the fabric with reusable fabric ribbon.
- Use large stockings to fit bigger items.
- Try drawstring Santa Sacks for gifts.
- Reuse gifts bags from gifts previously received. Do not tape or staple the tops, rather tie the handles together so that the bag can continue to be reused.
- Decorate brown shipping paper.
- Towels, dish towels, tablecloths and other linens can be used as wrap which also functions as part of the gift.
- Make your own drawstring cloth gift bags to reuse year after year.
- Use children's artwork as wrap.
- Pillowcases make great, easy to fasten, reusable gift bags.
- Newsprint can be easily decorated.
- Newspaper, magazine and comic pages can be used as wrap.
- Gift boxes from thrift stores can be reused year after year.
- Wrap gifts in reusable shopping bags.
- Decorate and reuse old boxes from just about anything.
- Use baskets and other repurposed containers.
- Worm compost any paper shreds.
- Buy recyclable earth-friendly wraps.
HAVE FUN WITH IT!
