Although you may think that wrapping paper is recyclable, a lot of it isn’t as it is coated in plastic – especially the glittery paper. A lot of Council's will not accept wrapping paper in their recycling bins, so please check with them before you put it in the bin.
We have put together some creative hints and tips that will help to reduce plastic waste this Christmas:
Brown paper
Brown paper gives a natural and traditional look that we love. Just make sure that the paper isn’t coated in plastic and you are good to go.
Reuse paper
Use what you already have at home and give your newspapers and excess packaging from your parcels a final lease of life before they go in the recycling bin. You can make your wrapping look really nice this way and something different from the other presents.
Natural string
Instead of using plastic bows on your packaging, why not opt for natural string? This will give a traditional, rustic look to your Christmas presents. It will complement brown or recycled paper perfectly
Pine needles and cones
These may be a little bit bulky, but they look lovely when used as decorations on gifts. The pine needles can also be used as confetti.
Old Christmas cards
If you’re anything like us, you’ll have a pile (perhaps a mountain) of old Christmas cards from family and friends that you’ve never thrown away.
Free up space in your home and reuse them as gift tags this Christmas, cut out the designs into whatever shapes you like! We will certainly be spoilt for choice.
Christmas hampers
Instead of reaching for the gift bags this Christmas, why not get creative and make a hamper or gift box?
Wicker or woven baskets are plastic-free and can be reused, it’s a win-win situation!
They can be filled and padded out with natural tissue or shredded paper, a great way to protect and present your gifts together. Dried petals, leaves and berries are recyclable and a great way to add those finishing touches.
Secret Santa
A simple way of reducing the amount of waste from wrapping present is to buy less presents in the first place.
By doing a secret Santa, with your friends/family you won’t have to buy as many presents as normal.
The surprise reveal
This one is a little out of the box but is incredibly simple- and requires no wrapping whatsoever!
On Christmas morning- have the receiver close their eyes and place all there presents in front of them- saving money, time and effort.
By being mindful of what we buy and use, we can all do our bit to reduce plastic waste this Christmas.
Do you have any tips to share? We’d love to hear from you, get in touch on our social media #WasteLessXmas