Every year there is a growing number of people who realise the need to take care of nature and reduce waste. One of the aspects to pay attention to is gift wrapping. Often beautiful boxes and brightly coloured ribbons turn out to be disposable and put an extra strain on the environment. In this article, we’ll look at tips for choosing eco-friendly gift wrapping so that your presents are not only joyful, but also planet-friendly.
Reusable materials for gift wrapping
One of the easiest and most effective ways to make packaging eco-friendly is to use reusable materials. These can be fabrics, baskets, and boxes that can be reused. A great example is the Japanese cloth gift wrapping technique called furoshiki. By using beautiful handkerchiefs or fabric cut-offs, you can not only create aesthetically pleasing packaging, but also give the recipient the opportunity to use it again.
Boxes and baskets as a packaging option
Another packaging idea is boxes and baskets that are reusable. For example, decorative metal or wooden boxes can be a great interior element or a useful storage item.
Shoppers: packaging and self-gifting
Shopper bags can also be part of the gift. Choose bags made of natural materials such as linen or cotton that can be used for shopping or other purposes after the gift has been unwrapped. This is not only eco-friendly but also practical, as the shopper is a gift in itself.
Paper materials and their eco-friendliness
If you prefer traditional packaging, opt for eco-friendly paper materials*. Unlike plastic, which takes hundreds of years to decompose, paper packaging materials are recyclable or biodegradable. However, it’s important to remember that not all paper is equally eco-friendly.
Recycled paper with green credentials
You should choose packaging made from recycled paper. This material is made from recycled materials, reduces the consumption of primary resources and lowers the environmental impact. In addition, look out for packaging paper with certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), which confirms that the material has been produced from responsibly sourced wood.
Kraft paper: the natural look of packaging
Also, instead of using glossy and laminated paper, which often contains plastic and is not recyclable, opt for kraft paper. It has a nice natural look and can be easily decorated with natural ribbons, or even just hand-drawn designs.
Natural jewellery for gifts
One of the most striking elements of packaging are decorative elements such as ribbons, bows and stickers. However, many of them are made of plastic materials that are not recyclable. Instead, you can use natural decorations that are safe for nature.
Pinecones, branches, flowers and natural fabrics
Try decorating gifts using dried flowers, pinecones, twigs, berries or cinnamon. These elements can be easily found in nature or at local markets and will give the packaging a cosy, natural look. In addition, such decorations emphasise individuality and create a festive atmosphere without the need for synthetic materials.
Another option is natural fabrics for decoration. For example, you can tie the gift with a beautiful cotton ribbon or use a linen cord for decoration. This is a simple and elegant way to make the packaging more eco-friendly.
Choosing eco-friendly gift wrapping is an important step towards conscious consumption and caring for nature. Don’t forget minimalism, which can also help reduce your impact on nature. The less packaging, the better for the environment. Eco-friendly packaging is not just a trend, but an opportunity to make every holiday greener and more responsible.