Easy Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Ideas

Do you use paper to hide your gift for a short period of time before it gets ripped open, and the paper is thrown away? This common practice can be very wasteful. By simply being resourceful and creative, there are several alternatives to wrapping your gift in ways that could be effective, less wasteful, and may even be reused. Here are some of the best ideas to wrap your gifts and get your creative mind started.

Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Idea #1: Recycled Aluminum Foil
Instead of recycling paper, recycle aluminum foil. This will create a shiny surface that may just help to add the sparkle to your gift that you are looking for. You can add a piece of hemp, yarn, or string to tie it on. Try using colorful hemp to add a bit of color to your shiny package. Maybe even use a festive ribbon to give your gift the touch of holiday or birthday cheer.

Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Idea #2: Re-Gift Wrap
A great way to wrap a gift by keeping the environment in mind is to recycle gift wrap. Often we carefully take off the tape that keeps the gift wrap in tact. It comes off in one complete sheet and may only be damaged at the spot of the tape. You can save these pieces and use them again when the occasion is right. This helps waste less paper and creates a way to always have accessible gift wrap in your closet.

Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Idea #3: Map It Out
Using maps as gift wrap is a great idea to create a unique way to wrap any gift. This may be an especially great gift for someone who loves to travel or for a going away gift. You can use maps that you've used before and turn them into gift wrap that can eventually be a new map to someone else.

Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Idea #4: Give the Gift Wrap
Another good idea is to let your gift wrap be the gift. You can wrap a gift in a scarf, decorative bucket, basket, or bowl. For someone who likes to garden, give them a gift in a watering can. For someone who likes to cook, give a gift in a mixing bowl. Or for someone who enjoys decorating, use a wicker basket. These are easy ideas that make you look more creative while still being eco-friendly.

Sources:
life.gaiam.com/article/top-10-green-gift-wrap-ideas