Joined Aug 2008
L5: Journeyman
Forum Thread
Alternatives to wrapping paper.
November 17, 2010 at
02:03 PM
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(14)
elf Cosmetics
Posted this last year and too old to bump, but wanted to remind people to try and think of the earth this holiday season. I added a few more things in here, some more inexpensive and less wasteful alternatives to wrapping
From an article: "Wrapping paper, from an ecological point of view, is a pretty worthless use of trees."
"In the U.S., an additional 5 million tons of waste is generated during the holidays. Four million tons of this is wrapping paper and shopping bags."
I've always disliked using wrapping paper... for many years now, I've wrapped gifts in the comics, newspaper, grocery store brown paper bags, magazines, reused giftwrap I've taken from others, or reusable gift bags. I find a way to make it still look attractive, and anyway - it gets ripped off in a few seconds!
Why use alternatives? Incredibly wasteful. My mom is a teacher and on a school trip they visited a dump.. they were told that wrapping paper is one of the most wasteful and plentiful things they see in a dump - and VERY slow to decompose. It can often be difficult to find a location to recycle your wrapping paper because of the materials are typically non-recyclable.
"People in the trash business will tell you: Wrapping paper is just solid waste with a pretty face."
For those of you who need pretty wrapping... how about trying this:
Use a very pretty envirosax reusable bag - which then also becomes part of of the gift!:
This video and blog [envirosax.com] inspired me to create this post:
Wrap your presents in an envirosax reusable bag [youtube.com]
Here is a thread for envirosax bags
(FYI I personally LOVE my envirosax bags... they're tiny, I keep 2 in my bag and use them for groceries, department store purchases or an extra bag. They're VERY pretty and I get tons of compliments. So they make a very nice gift, in addition to very pretty, environmental wrapping).
Or wayy cheaper, these ELF bags. [eyeslipsface.com]
Envirosax cute kid's bags for $3 at Target (when added to another order with free shipping over $50, plus 20% off $75)
Red one [target.com]
Pink one [target.com]
Just suggestions - there are many very attractive reusable bags at all kinds of stores one can use. I just saw some really pretty ones at homegoods.
Another article about wasteful wrapping paper. [earth911.com]
Please remember this holiday season: REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
Anyone else have more earth-friendly ways to wrap?
From an article: "Wrapping paper, from an ecological point of view, is a pretty worthless use of trees."
"In the U.S., an additional 5 million tons of waste is generated during the holidays. Four million tons of this is wrapping paper and shopping bags."
I've always disliked using wrapping paper... for many years now, I've wrapped gifts in the comics, newspaper, grocery store brown paper bags, magazines, reused giftwrap I've taken from others, or reusable gift bags. I find a way to make it still look attractive, and anyway - it gets ripped off in a few seconds!
Why use alternatives? Incredibly wasteful. My mom is a teacher and on a school trip they visited a dump.. they were told that wrapping paper is one of the most wasteful and plentiful things they see in a dump - and VERY slow to decompose. It can often be difficult to find a location to recycle your wrapping paper because of the materials are typically non-recyclable.
"People in the trash business will tell you: Wrapping paper is just solid waste with a pretty face."
For those of you who need pretty wrapping... how about trying this:
Use a very pretty envirosax reusable bag - which then also becomes part of of the gift!:
This video and blog [envirosax.com] inspired me to create this post:
Wrap your presents in an envirosax reusable bag [youtube.com]
Here is a thread for envirosax bags
(FYI I personally LOVE my envirosax bags... they're tiny, I keep 2 in my bag and use them for groceries, department store purchases or an extra bag. They're VERY pretty and I get tons of compliments. So they make a very nice gift, in addition to very pretty, environmental wrapping).
Or wayy cheaper, these ELF bags. [eyeslipsface.com]
Envirosax cute kid's bags for $3 at Target (when added to another order with free shipping over $50, plus 20% off $75)
Red one [target.com]
Pink one [target.com]
Just suggestions - there are many very attractive reusable bags at all kinds of stores one can use. I just saw some really pretty ones at homegoods.
Another article about wasteful wrapping paper. [earth911.com]
Please remember this holiday season: REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
Anyone else have more earth-friendly ways to wrap?
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6 bags for $25. [brightandbold.com]
Alright ME - let's see a good, on topic suggestion on earth-friendly living. You can do it!!!
and I hope you know, I'm only messing around. I love outdoors and nature.
1. fixed/updated plumbing around the house to save water, and this is altruistic, as my HOA pays for water and I had no independent financial motive
2. switched to all rechargeable batteries - although much of this was financial
3. replacing old windows throughout the house - again, much of it is for looks and financial, but not ignoring the environmental help.
4. bought a more expensive refrigerator that had a higher energy star rating - but after the fed/state/local rebate program, it was only $50 more
See, you have to keep in mind, I AM the majority of Americans. You want us to change behavior to better suit the environment, you have to give us an incentive. We are more than willing to do our part, as long as you don't try to change so much of our lives that we're living in the stone age. I had this debate with a pro-PETA person who's telling me that animals are just as important as people... When we are able to sit down and come with real-life-possible solutions, instead of blanket, "shut down all industries and economies," that's when average people like me will listen.
and I hope you know, I'm only messing around. I love outdoors and nature.
1. fixed/updated plumbing around the house to save water, and this is altruistic, as my HOA pays for water and I had no independent financial motive
2. switched to all rechargeable batteries - although much of this was financial
3. replacing old windows throughout the house - again, much of it is for looks and financial, but not ignoring the environmental help.
4. bought a more expensive refrigerator that had a higher energy star rating - but after the fed/state/local rebate program, it was only $50 more
See, you have to keep in mind, I AM the majority of Americans. You want us to change behavior to better suit the environment, you have to give us an incentive. We are more than willing to do our part, as long as you don't try to change so much of our lives that we're living in the stone age. I had this debate with a pro-PETA person who's telling me that animals are just as important as people... When we are able to sit down and come with real-life-possible solutions, instead of blanket, "shut down all industries and economies," that's when average people like me will listen.
I know what you're saying - things have to be doable - financially and practically. I figured giftwrap was a pretty easy way to start
Good to hear about all the house upgrades, even if they are financially motivated - it's win win.
Wish the govt would offer even more incentives for that kind of stuff. Other countries seem to be ahead of us as far as that goes - Australia for instance, and solar panels - unbelievably good program by the govt - I was told my an Aussie friend they actually completely subsidize installing them, and that all new houses are built with solar panels off the bat.
But anyway, back to daily living stuff... any paper junk mail that has blank sides, I save and use the backs for notes (sometimes I"ll staple a bunch together like a little notepad). And of course with printing stuff, I reuse both sides of paper.
And if there is junk prints, save for reusing the other side for other junk prints.
and also, Dolphin meat is good
and also, Dolphin meat is good
Back to ignore!
Back to ignore!
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10 Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Wrapping Paper [treehugger.com]
1. OUT-DATED MAPS
You know you've got these lying around--in your car, in that cabinet drawer that's only opened twice a year when you're looking for something--and why? Unless you have a deep suspicion that Russia will eventually revert back to the USSR, what are you hanging onto these for? Or for you city dwellers--urban development is pretty effective at making maps obsolete, right? If you find a map with a big empty space where the Americas should be, don't use it--it may be worth something.
2. PAPER BAGS
3. NEWSPAPER
4. FABRIC
5. BOXES
6. OLD CALENDERS
You know the one from 1997 that has the ponies on it? Or 2004 was a good one too--the one with the dogs dressed as people--remember? These are a great source of large sheets of paper that have virtually no use to you now. Just open it up to June, pop the staples out from the fold and, presto!--you've got a 6 or 7 ways to remind your friends of that year you were obsessed with Jonathan Taylor Thomas.
7. CHILDREN'S ART
What better way to show your young Picasso just how much you appreciate their artistic ability than to use their masterpieces as wrapping paper? Your recipients, too, are bound to take joy in seeing your little one's abstract rendering of a dog, or a house...or whatever that's supposed to be. Maybe they'll like them so much they'll be careful not to tear it--bringing some civility to the holidays. Be sure to consult the artist before using their work--he or she may want to hang onto some pieces from their 'blue-period'.
8. WALLPAPER SAMPLES
Remember when you were planning on redecorating the living-room with wallpaper and couldn't quite decide on the right pattern? You were given all those samples to take home to help you make up your mind--where did you put those things? Most paint or home-supply stores have books and books of wallpaper samples that are out of stock that would make easy gift-wrap for small or medium sized gifts. Give them a visit.
9. JARS & CANS
10. BE CREATIVE
Also, it had grid marks on the back. Made it so much easier to cut it straight. I've never had paper with the grid marks before.
Also, it had grid marks on the back. Made it so much easier to cut it straight. I've never had paper with the grid marks before.
another good article with alternatives. [discovery.com]
A couple super easy ones that haven't been mentioned (though there are other good unmentioned ones in the article too, check it out):
Paper Waste
Raiding the paper recycling bin is a great way to get materials for gift wrap. Magazine pages, notes from a class, the crossword puzzle from yesterday's paper all could become ideal wrapping material for a package with personality.
Junk Mail
What to do with junk mail that just keeps landing in your mailbox despite the fact that you signed up for the "do not mail" list? It's frustrating to see the waste—however, all those offers to win big, or those colorful coupons become humorous wrapping material.
Cereal Boxes
For clothing, accessories, and gifts on the thinner side, a cereal box is a great option for a unique container. Make it funny by adding a gift topper. For instance, if you're using Cinnamon Toast Crunch, wrap it up with a recycled ribbon and stick a cinnamon stick in the knot of the bow. Or string some dried sliced fruit or berries through the ribbon.
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