Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Ease Rating: Medium
Carbon Emission Savings: 5 kg CO2e
5 - ~80% target progress (2,000+ kg CO2e)
4 - ~60% (1,000 - 2,000 kg CO2e)
3 - ~20% (500 - 1,000 kg CO2e)
2 - ~10% (100 - 500 kg CO2e)
1 - <10% (<100 kg CO2e)
0 - <1% (<30 kg CO2e)
No. of People Influenced Beyond You: tens of people
Amount of Savings: n/a
Impacts: ♻️ Reduce Plastics
Categories: Stuff
Description
We usually consider wrapping paper to be recyclable, but did you know that is often not the case? Wrapping paper can only be recycled if it is not laminated, has no metallic pieces, and has no tape, ribbons, or bows.
One way to figure out if your wrapping paper is recyclable is by using the scrunch test. If you can scrunch it into a ball and it keeps that shape, you can recycle it!
Unfortunately, the reality is a massive amount of wrapping paper gets thrown away and it takes a lot of energy, trees, and other resources to create it in the first place, to the detriment of the environment.
However, there are environmentally friendly wrapping paper options and alternatives available. These include wrapping paper made out of recycled paper and reusable fabric gift wraps. To increase the festive feeling, you can then decorate using other recyclable materials, paint, and craft supplies.
Tips
• Wrap your presents using wrapping paper made from recycled paper. There are lots of options. Conduct a quick internet search to find the perfect wrapping paper.• When recycling wrapping paper, make sure to remove all tape, bows, ribbons, tags, and glitter. Basically, all the plastic add-on parts. Using paper tape (does not include plastic) or learning the art of wrapping without tape are options to simplify the recycling-prep process.
• Fabric gift wrap or fabric bags are an alternative to non-recyclable wrapping paper. Check out the options available online. The benefit to fabric wrapping is that you can reuse them for many years to come, so it saves you money as well.
• Old maps or newspapers that would otherwise get tossed make great wrapping paper. If that is not your style, no worries. Simply go with another option.