Every year at Christmas, 20,000 tons of gift wrapping are sold in France and immediately thrown away. Is it possible to celebrate Christmas without wrapping paper and multi-colored ribbon? Yes, thanks to eco-friendly wrapping tips !
The traditional wrapping to tie: the Furoshiki
This Japanese tradition consists of wrapping the gift in a fabric that is tied using different techniques depending on its shape. It then looks like a small bundle or a package topped with a pretty bow. Once offered, the Furoshiki serves as a scarf, towel or dishcloth!
Reusable gift wrapping
What if the packaging was part of the gift?
A beautiful box: For example, you can use a pretty decorated cardboard stationery box, which the person can keep… Or reuse as packaging! Particularly practical for gifts for little ones because they can open it easily and then keep it as a decorative element in their room.
A fabric bag: This is also valid if you use a cotton bag (tote bag) , which you just need to tie the handles. Perfect for wrapping everything, from a bottle to a small object. They are sometimes offered directly in store. In this case, remember to refuse the packaging at the checkout, as well as the brand bag. With a tote bag, you don't need anything else, apart from a little tissue paper to protect the products, in the case of cosmetics for example. You can then reuse it as you wish, as a sports bag, shoe bag or shopping bag.
A fabric bag: ideal for storing small products or underwear, the advantage of the fabric bag is that it can have multiple uses. Provided it is opaque, it makes a very good gift wrap for jewelry or cosmetics. Beware of transparent versions that squeak under your fingers: they are made of polyester , a synthetic fiber, made of plastic threads! To find cotton ones, turn to organic brands, small designers, natural product stores, or divert bags intended for bulk groceries.
A bee wrap or beeswax cloth: known to be the eco-friendly alternative to stretch film in the kitchen, these coated fabric squares also make pretty gift wrapping, while introducing zero waste !
Recycled gift wrapping
No question of throwing away these papers which will be used to wrap the gifts:
Colorful pages from a magazine: tricky without tape for big gifts, but great for small gifts. Just fold them like envelopes
Newspaper or magazine text pages: obviously, you have to customize it to make it pretty. We work on folding ideas to make pockets, we can embellish them with stamps to decorate them and use office clips or even wooden clothespins to close them.
Kraft paper: sometimes used by stores themselves, it is perfect for all gifts: candle, frame, book… It folds well and is strong enough to wrap game boxes. It can then be decorated.
A decorated egg box or shoe box: choose a white one and decorate it by drawing or sticking magazine pages on it, or why not natural elements like leaves or shells.
A wooden crate: Wine crates are often thrown away by wine merchants after receiving their delivery. Why not ask them to collect them in order to place the gift to be wrapped. Hoping not to give false joy to the person who will receive it by perhaps expecting 6 good bottles!
To close these packages, use fabric ribbons, why not fabric threads cut from scraps or an old t-shirt, or even string or raffia.
To wrap eco-friendly, let's be creative: when you want to do things differently, there's no shortage of ideas . All you need to do is take the time to find some recycled material. A good DIY exercise that enhances gifts and a good opportunity to affirm your ecological commitments.
