Wrap it well
Did you know that each UK household is estimated to create three and a half black bags of festive packaging?
To help reduce this, we want to share ideas about how you can wrap up Christmas more sustainably this year.
Read on to find our simple swap suggestions for wrapping and sticking, as well as some fab creative ideas to help us all wrap well this festive season.
Our simple swaps
Wrapping paper
There are lots of things that you might have around your home that you can use as an alternative to wrapping paper.
Different materials can create beautiful, unique and meaningful gift wrapping, which costs nothing!
Sticky tape
Firstly, you could look for zero-plastic, biodegradable and compostable varieties of tape.
Paper-based washi tapes are a great alternative as they are made from natural fibres and are fully biodegradable.
Or eliminate the need for tape altogether. Spare ribbon or string can look beautiful, or you could try making twine from old clothes by twisting fabric strips together in opposite directions.
Need a gift tag?
A great idea is to use last year's Christmas cards if you still have them.
Cut out a tag shape using the front of the card. If you have pinking shears or craft scissors you can create a fun, zig-zag pattern. Then attach to your gift using one of our ideas above.
A simple idea that saves money and gives your Christmas cards a second life.
Our gift wrap ideas
Decorate your own
This is a great way to reuse packaging paper from deliveries and get little ones involved too.
You could help your child create some fab potato print designs or let them loose with colouring crayons or pens.
Your own designs help make the gift experience more personal and you have some spectacular sustainable wrapping paper as well!
Create an upcycled Santa's sack
Start with an old pillowcase and add the lucky recipient's name or a festive message.
A fabric pen or fabric paint works well, or for a fancy font you could print it (backwards) on iron transfer paper and iron it onto the sack. For an even greater challenge, you could try embroidery.
Then choose a colourful ribbon, fabric scrap or twine, and make some holes in the sack to thread it through. This will create a drawstring effect to keep all the presents safe!
Origami gift boxes
What can you find around the house to use? Maybe an old magazine, newspaper, a copy of a special family recipe or craft paper.
There are lots of great videos showing you how to make origami boxes of all shapes and sizes, perfect for gifting sweet treats or ornaments. Check out our link below,
An added bonus is that Origami is also great for older children and adults to practise mindfulness.
Sew a gift bag
A project that can work for new and experienced sewers alike.
If you try a festive fabric for one side and a different design inside, you can create a beautiful reversible bag that can be used and reused throughout the year.
For beautiful quality and ethically sourced organic cotton, you can find Kite's fat quarter bundle here.
Top recycling tips
If you're buying gift wrap, look for recycled and fully recyclable varieties. If it features foil or glitter it can't be recycled.
On the wrapping paper you receive, do the scrunch test. If it stays scrunched up it's good news and can be recycled. If it doesn't then unfortunately it needs to be placed in the waste bin.
Don't forget to remove all sticky tape and gift tags from wrapping before putting it in the recycling bin.
Find out more about recycling wrapping paper here.
