Not
sure of what to wrap your gifts in this year in order to make it a
more eco-friendly holiday? Well GAIAM Life has got you covered. They
put together a top ten list of green gift wrap ideas. Take a look at
their incredible list:
“1.
Eco-shiniest
Say
“silver bells” without leaving a metallic taste in your mouth. A
different twist on recycled paper, recycled aluminum foil adds shiny
happiness and closes the loop on recycling. Tie on some colorful
raffia or hemp twine or this beguiling recycled silk sari yarn to up
the festive factor.
2.
Most re-useful
Reusable
gift bags or shopping bags make an ingenious alternative to gift
wrap, and these days they come in all manner of styles, from basic to
uber-green to glam. This recycled juice pack tote might be an even
bigger hit than the gift inside! If
you’re a whiz with your Singer, whip up your own cloth tote bags or
gift bags. Not so much? Check out these luminous drawstring gift
sleeves by Lyziwraps, named after founder Jocelyn Childs’ daughter,
who designed a prototype for her eighth grade “Innovation”
competition seven years ago.
3.
Best “direction”
Let
surplus maps lead the way to sustainable wrapping. These reclaimed
New York City subway maps and topographical maps give your package a
hip design. Not to mention, they’re educational.
4.
Brightest topper
Add
a bulb instead of a bow — a compact fluorescent bulb, that is. You
can’t stick it on top of your head, but when you stick it on top of
your gift you’ll help reduce your gift recipient’s carbon
footprint (and electric bill).
5.
Most appreciated
Make
the wrapping part of the gift! Containers make great
no-wrapping-needed packaging: A bucket or watering can is easy to
fill with gardening supplies, and a mixing bowl or stockpot makes the
perfect package for your favorite cook. And don’t forget soft
wrapping paper alternatives that are also great gifts, like fair
trade scarves, organic cotton baby blankets, and beach towels or
organic cotton bath towels from Gaiam. It’ll give them a little
hint as to what’s inside, but your creative wrapping will get years
of use.
6.
Most resourceful
Banana
fiber paper turns wasted bark from banana production into a
decorative eco-wrapping option. Or opt for tree-less sources of
paper, such as 100% recycled paper printed with soy-based inks. Or
try these fabric wraps from wrapnatural.com.
7.
Closest to nature
Some
of the best decorations for your gifts can be found in backyards,
beaches and fields. Sprigs of berries, branches, shells and pinecones
are naturally beautiful and don’t require any manufacturing at all
… just a short hike. (Check with authorities before taking
pinecones or other specimens from state or national forests or
parks.) Or try Real Goods’ biodegradable Seed Gift Wrap that’s
embedded with wildflower seeds. Instead of tossing or recycling it
after gifts are opened, just plant it in your garden! There’s no
waste … just beautiful blossoms that make this wrapping paper a
gift in itself.
8.
Recycling-friendliest
Avoid
sticky situations at your recycling facility by wrapping your gifts
without conventional — often petroleum-based — tape. Not all
curbside programs accept wrapping paper. But if yours does, it should
be tape-free. Try opting out of tape by making tightly creased folds
as you wrap, securing it by tying up the package tightly (in two
directions) with natural twine or wool yarn that can be reused.
9.
Most frugal
Why
spend a dime on wrapping when you already have what you need?
Newspaper might have a reputation for saying “cheapskate,” so get
a little creative. Use anything from paper bags to leftover
wallpaper, and cut out images from magazines, comics, children’s
drawings or old greeting cards to give your package an artistic
flair.
10.
Most interactive
If
necessity is the mother of invention, competition is the sister of
connection! Challenge your family to a little friendly competition —
come up with the most inventive, resourceful, brilliant wrapping
paper alternative using natural, reusable, recycled or repurposed raw
materials. Then before present-opening commences, take a vote on the
best idea. Award the winner a white-elephant gift, an extra pecan pie
to take home, a spa massage, a restaurant gift card … use your
imagination! The experience will add to the great memories you create
together this holiday.”
