Christmas, a time of gifts with many packages of sparkling colors that create a truly evocative atmosphere. But how much does this magic cost in terms of environmental sustainability?
The amount of non-recyclable waste to be disposed of increases enormously during the Christmas holidays.
A large component of such waste is represented by the wrapping paper and ribbons used to package our gifts.
Often we are not aware, but not everything we use to wrap is recyclable.
Many wrapping papers are not made solely of paper, but are often processed with chemical dyes, are laminated (like gold and silver) or contain plastics and glitter that increase the pollution from microplastics.
Similarly, ribbons, bows, and rosettes that are not completely paper-based cannot be recycled.
However, we can think outside the box by looking for zero waste materials with which to wrap our gifts.
They must certainly be impressive, but also environmentally friendly, therefore biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable.
Sustainable materials to wrap Christmas gift packages
What eco-friendly materials, then, can we use to wrap Christmas gifts?
Regarding wrapping paper, opt for recycled paper or paper made 100% from paper components (thus fully recyclable), even better if FSC certified (i.e., sourced from responsibly managed forests).
Many stores have already equipped themselves in this way for some years, eliminating gift wrappings with laminated papers and preferring sustainable materials.
A good idea is to use paper from the packaging of our online purchases; the one that, to be clear, is crumpled up in boxes as filler to protect our goods.
Although this type of paper may seem a bit plain initially, we can then embellish the package by adding decorative elements such as twigs, flowers, berries, and bells.
Another idea is to use various types of paper that we have at home and that is no longer needed such as magazine sheets and newspapers, wall posters we want to get rid of, old road maps or outdated geographical maps.
In addition to paper, we can package our Christmas gifts with reusable materials such as fabric bags, hemp, linen, or jute.
Other examples to consider are scarves, scraps of old colored t-shirts or curtains or sheets, old doilies that are no longer in use... in short, anything that is fabric.
In this sense, we can take inspiration from the "Furoshiki", a Japanese technique that involves wrapping gifts in fabrics and textiles of various nature and square shape.
Using Furoshiki, the wrapping of the gift itself becomes an additional gift that adds to the present.
Sustainable boxes and containers for Christmas gifts
We often use glittered boxes or shiny containers (such as laminated envelopes) in which we place our gift to present it in the best way to the person we want to give it to.
We can let our imagination run wild covering boxes and small boxes we have at home (such as shoe boxes) with Christmas wrapping paper saved from previous years and decorating them with colored ribbons and ornamental elements.
We can also create original small boxes in which to place small gifts, using toilet paper or kitchen paper cardboard rolls and folding their ends.
Other types of sustainable containers can be, for example: wicker baskets, tin or wooden boxes, glass jars, and paper bags, the latter perhaps closed with wooden clothespins.
Sustainable ribbons to close Christmas gift packages
To close the packages, we can replace laminated ribbons with other materials such as packing twine, raffia, fabric ribbons (for example, cut from old clothes), lace or satin ribbons, cords, and multiple strands of colored wool or cotton possibly crocheted.
Regarding the closing of the packages, instead of classic tape, we can opt for ecological adhesive tapes that are biodegradable and compostable.
These, generally, are composed of polymers based on plant fibers (such as corn starch) and can be reused several times without leaving residues.
A particular type of this tape comes directly from Japan and is the so-called "washi tape."
Washi tape, made from processing plant fibers, is a colorful tape in various patterns that is very resistant and can be used multiple times by sticking and reattaching it on different surfaces such as paper, wood, glass, and plastic.
Decorations to add to Christmas gift packages
To give the gifts a Christmas touch, we can decorate the packages by adding typical winter seasonal ornamental elements.
During a walk on the street or in the nearby park, for example, we can collect pine or fir twigs, leaves, acorns, and fallen pine cones.
Other highly appreciated ornaments are cotton tufts that mimic snow, sprigs of aromatic herbs such as lavender and rosemary, dried orange or tangerine peels, and cinnamon sticks.
Buttons, beads, cork stoppers, and bells are elements easily found at home that we can use to adorn our gifts.
Also, before throwing away old Christmas decorations, we recover and keep the healthy elements detaching for example a pine cone, a small stick, a twig with berries that we could then use as decorations for the gift packages.
The importance of reuse and recycling for Christmas gift packages
Once the gifts are opened, let's make sure to separate all the materials correctly for their recycling.
Keep everything that can be reused the following Christmas, therefore, for example, the wrappings and fabric bags, baskets, and tin boxes, satin ribbons, and decorative elements.