Can you recycle Christmas wrapping paper?
In Australia, you can recycle Christmas wrapping paper as long as it is plain paper and does not have any metallic, glittery, velvety, or plastic elements. These materials interfere with the recycling process and should be avoided or reused. You can also check if your wrapping paper is recyclable by doing the folding test: if it folds like paper, it is likely to be recyclable. However, some recycling programs may have different rules or restrictions, so it is always best to check with your local council or waste management service before putting your wrapping paper in the recycling bin.
What are some sustainable wrapping paper alternatives?
That’s a great question! Wrapping paper is a common source of waste during the festive season, but there are many ways to make it more eco-friendly. Here are some fun and creative alternatives to wrapping paper that you can try:
Fabric: Use any piece of fabric, such as scarves, Tea towels , napkins, or old clothes, to wrap your gifts in a stylish and reusable way. You can also learn some cool techniques like furoshiki, which is a traditional Japanese art of wrapping with cloth. Fabric wraps are great for odd-shaped gifts and can also serve as an extra gift for the recipient.
Magazine pages:Use colourful magazines to wrap your gifts. Add some twine or ribbon to make it more festive. Magazine pages are easy to recycle or compost after use.
Jars or pouches: Another way to avoid wrapping paper is to put your gifts in reusable containers or bags that can hide the contents from view. These containers or bags can be used again by the recipient for storage or other purposes.
Kraft paper and paper tape: If you still prefer the traditional paper wrapping, you can opt for brown kraft paper and paper tape, which are more eco-friendly than shiny or glittery wrapping paper. Kraft paper is made from recycled materials and can be easily recycled or composted after use. Paper tape is also biodegradable and does not leave any residue on the paper. Decorate your kraft paper with stamps, drawings, or natural elements like leaves or flowers.
Beeswax wrap: A natural alternative to plastic wrap that is made from organic cotton, beeswax or vegan candelilla wax, jojoba oil, and tree resin. They are reusable, washable, and compostable.
Beeswax wraps make your
make your gifts look lovely and smell sweet. Again, this is a wrapping that the recipient will be able to use again and again.
We hope you enjoyed these sustainable wrapping paper alternatives and have fun trying them out!
