Environmentally Friendly Gift Wrapping Ideas

It's the season for living rooms across the country to be covered in brightly-colored red and green wrapping paper. Did you know that wrapping paper and packaging are to blame for the country's 25 percent spike in generated waste between Thanksgiving and New Year's?

So, what's the green-minded gift giver to do? Well, keep reading for some green gift-wrapping ideas on how to give a thoughtfully wrapped present without taking more than your share of the Earth's many gifts.

Reusable Shopping Bags

Instead of wrapping your gifts in disposable gift bags or wasteful wrapping paper, give a little extra and wrap it up in a reusable shopping bag. Shopping totes are very fashionable and come in all sorts of styles from hyper green to mega glam. You can pick up reusable shopping bags at your local grocery store, online at sites like ecobags.com or you can make your own at home.

Use Old Maps

Now that we're all using GPS and cell phone navigation systems, those old maps are going to waste. Reclaim old maps to give your gift a vintage cool, wrapped look.

Make the Wrapping Part of the Gift

Instead of wrapping your gift in paper that's only going to go to waste, make the wrapping or packing part of the present itself. For example, a watering can makes a great container for a gardening gift while a teapot could be the perfect container for a collection of herbal teas.

For soft wrapping ideas, try wrapping your presents in cloth items like scarves, an organic baby blanket or a pretty hand towel.

Skip the Tape

Not all recycling centers accept wrapping paper and those that do often require that it be tape-free. So, skip the tape and wrap your presents with compostable twine or a piece of yearn.

Go Natural for Backyard Finds

Instead of embellishing your gifts with plastic bows and garish ribbons, look in your own backyard for decorations that are both beautiful and natural. Sprigs of holly, pinecones, berries and shells are all beautiful and make stunning accents for any gift.

Try Banana Paper

Banana fiber paper is made from the wasted stalks of the banana tree during the banana harvesting process. Try PaperMojo.com for some very cute and ultra-sustainable designs.

Reuse Old Newspapers and Magazines

Why buy wrapping materials when you probably have stacks of it already in your home. You may not want to wrap a gift in newspaper, but you can get creative with old wallpaper, magazines, children's comics or even old greeting cards. Remember, green is always beautiful.