Written by: Jennilee Mirtil
As the holidays roll in and the hustle and bustle of Black Friday deals, Cyber Monday steals, and the pressure to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones take over, one big thing often gets overlooked: the type of wrapping paper we use. Believe it or not, wrapping paper can make a difference—and yes, it could even help save the planet.
Sounds surprising, right? Wrapping paper might seem super insignificant, something you grab at the dollar store without a second thought. But it's actually a major contributor to pollution, with tons of it ending up in landfills every holiday season. According to The World Counts, paper accounts for about 26% of total landfill waste. Its production drives deforestation consumes enormous amounts of energy and water and contributes to air pollution and waste problems. That’s a lot of harm to the planet—all for a few moments of unwrapping.
Now that we know it’s a bigger issue, let’s talk about the numbers. According to Wrag Wrap, the average American gives 42 gifts per year. If just three of those were wrapped in reusable materials, it could save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields. That’s mind-blowing—and a clear sign that things need to change.
Of course, if you’ve already bought wrapping paper this year, don’t worry! The key is to reuse any wrapping paper you receive or make the most of what’s left over from last year’s holiday season.
Here are some simple, stress-free tips to be more sustainable this holiday season when it comes to wrapping paper:
Use Recyclable Wrapping Paper: Opt for plain kraft paper or recyclable wrapping paper without glitter, foil, or plastic coatings.
Repurpose Materials: Wrap gifts using old maps, newspapers, fabric scraps, or even reusable scarves (furoshiki-style).
Bags and Boxes: Save gift bags, boxes, and tissue paper from previous years for reuse.
4. Skip Wrapping Entirely: Place gifts in reusable totes, baskets, or jars that can be part of the gift itself.
So, enjoy this holiday season with loved ones by your side, but keep these tips in mind while shopping far and wide. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, may your spirits shine, check out YEA for more, and enjoy this festive rhyme!
Sustainability in gift wrapping is the way to go, With kraft paper, twine, and a sprig for show. Reuse, repurpose, and skip the glittered shine, Make the earth a little brighter this Christmastime!
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