Did you know that us Aussies use over 150,000 kilometres of wrapping paper each festive season? That's enough to wrap around the centre of the earth four times.
With Christmas just around the corner, many of us are preparing to wrap presents for family and friends. But before you reach for that shiny, glittery paper, it's worth considering more sustainable alternatives that look just as beautiful while being kinder to the planet.
Not all wrapping paper is recyclable
Many people assume all wrapping paper can be recycled, but this isn't the case. Papers with glitter, fancy dyes, metallics, or velvet finishes cannot be recycled and will end up in landfill. Even delicate tissue paper can't be recycled – its fibres are too weak to be reprocessed into new paper. Cellophane and shiny papers are also problematic. They're difficult to recycle and wrinkle beyond saving if you try to reuse them.
Sustainability Victoria recommends a simple approach: "The best option to reduce waste is always to use as little packaging as possible and, for the packaging you do use, check it is both made from recycled content and that it can be recycled again or composted after use."
Better wrapping choices
When selecting wrapping materials, skip the plastic tape and opt for recyclable ribbon, twine, or paper tape instead. "Simple shifts like these can help reduce resource use and support a circular economy where materials are recirculated rather than discarded," Sustainability Victoria says. "It's a small act with a big impact, especially over the festive season."
Beyond traditional wrapping paper, there are several creative and sustainable alternatives to consider:
- Recyclable materials: Plain cardboard, brown paper, or newspaper (use old copies of the Prom Coast News for the local touch!) can be dressed up with natural twine, dried flowers, or handmade gift tags.
- Recycled options: Look for paper made from previously used materials, reducing the demand for new resources.
- Compostable wrapping: Plain paper, cardboard, or certified bioplastics break down naturally after use.
- Reusable packaging: Consider wrapping gifts in tea towels, scarves, tote bags, or fabric gift bags that recipients can use again. Furoshiki, the Japanese art of fabric wrapping, offers an elegant and completely reusable alternative that adds a personalised, artistic touch to your gifts.
Eco-friendly packaging doesn't have to mean a boring sea of browns and plain boxes. With a little creativity – adding sprigs of rosemary, cinnamon sticks, or hand-stamped designs – sustainable wrapping can be just as festive and beautiful as traditional options.
