Gift Wrapping
Introduction
Each year we produce a mountain of waste as wrapping paper generally can't be recycled, nor can paper gift bags. By making some small changes, and being a little inventive we can reduce our ecological impact, even saving a little money in the process.
Envelopes
Many cultures use these to send holiday and other types of cards. For Lunar New Year, people fill them with money for children and younger relatives. Most have a one-time-use sticky lip, and are written on with names and addresses, but if you are giving an envelope directly you don't have to use the sticky part, meaning they can be reused. If you can also avoid putting information like names on the outside, then they are much easier to reuse, as many of them can't be recycled.
We love to save any Luna New Year envelopes we receive for reuse, as the pretty decorative designs are usually unfit for recycling.
Another option is to forgo the envelope entirely if possible. This could mean simply handing the card or money to the recipient, or tucking it in with their gift package.
Fabric
Fabric is generally washable, which means you can reuse a piece of cloth, fabric bags, scarfs, kitchen towels, or even an old pillow case over and over for zero-waste gift wrapping.
Cloth Bags
These can be sewn like small pillow cases with a ribbon tied around the neck, or rapped around like you see on paper wrapping. They can be sewn with draw strings, so that each bag always has it's own ribbon. Both methods have their benefits and drawbacks.
Furoshiki
This traditional Japanese art requires the least materials, skill, and effort to wrap gifts. You can use a scarf, shawl, dish cloth, or even a sheet from a bed if you have something extra big to wrap, like a bike.
If you buy fabric by the yard, it would be best to sew the raw edges, to prevent fraying. Selvages don't need to be cut and sewn, but doing so can make the wrapping prettier.
Wrap On, Wrap Off: The Ultimate Guide to Furoshiki Wrapping shows a variety of methods for wrapping different types of gifts.
Paper
Most wrapping paper can't be recycled and ends up in land fills each year. Glittery, and glossy papers are the least likely to be recycled, though some companies sell unbleached, recycled paper which should be more eco-friendly than other, glitzier papers.
If you get wrapping paper on a gift, you can careful remove it and fold or roll it for another year.
Paper Bags
These often come with some handles, and can be reused several times, but they aren't as sturdy as well-made fabric bags, and will often break after just a few years. Sometimes even on the first use. They also have the disadvantage that if they are glossy or have glitter, they cannot be recycled in municipal facilities.
Newspaper & Magazine Pages
These can be a fun way to use paper before recycling it. Kids might enjoy the comics section, while your uncle might appreciate the sports pages. Twine or ribbon can replace tape which can't be recycled, and add a different accents to the paper of choice.
Metal Tins
Sometimes treats and gifts come in their own metal tins, which can be reused again and again for gift giving, or sturdy storage around your home.
One disadvantage is that metal uses a lot of resources to be mined and processed, as well as releasing a lot of pollution. Reusing and eventually recycling metal containers reduces their impact. Buying recycled containers is always better than buying virgin materials.
If you have a tin with ugly advertising or nutrition guides, then you can add your own personal touch by painting a new design onto the tin. We've made some really pretty tins using up some old, unwanted nail polish bottles. Just make sure you sit the box in a well ventilated area while painting and as each layer dries as the chemicals can be very strong.
Ribbons
Store Bought
If you are in a rush, ribbons can be bought in many places, and reused over and over, especially if you don't use glue to stick them to items, and you take care to seal up the edges. For polyester ribbons you can do this with a lighter, and melt the edges, though this should never be done inside, and isn't eco-friendly as it releases pollution in the the atmosphere.
Scavenged / Reused
A more eco-friendly way of collecting them is to take them off gifts or crafts you've already been given, and simply reuse those.
Recycling / Upcycling
You can also make your own or buy recycled ribbon made from strips of old clothing or other textiles. Recycled sari silks can give a classy vibe to your gift wrapping.
String & Twine
These can give a more rustic, country, historic, or artsy feel than standard ribbons. They can also provide better grip which can be handy if you are traveling.
Reuse & Recycle
Just like ribbons, string and twine can be bought in shops, scavenged off other gifts, and even found on other items.
Yarns
One or several colours of yarn can lend a colourful twist to the string option. You might tie them together at one end and braid them before making a bow, or you might just twist them together loosely before doing the same.
Allergy Warning!
If you or someone you share gifts with has food allergies, be super careful about reusing strings from food packaging. We used to collect string from chicken feed bags, and reused the string in gardening and other activities, sometime putting the string in our mouths while tightening or straightening things, without realizing the feed contained wheat. Bags of grain, rice, and nuts are most likely to potentially make someone sick via cross contamination. At a time when people are receiving edible gifts and eating lots of snacks, it's especially easy to accidentally spread allergens.