Alternative Options for More Sustainable Gift Wrap
Does your vision of the holiday season include a giant plastic bag filled with one-use paper and decorations? Probably not. You compost, recycle, and make smart choices regarding food waste – so extend your green thinking to gifting! Try these easy ways to use recycled or reusable gift wrap.
Furoshiki
These beautiful foldable cloths were traditionally used to transport needs back and forth from Japanese bathhouses, but have found new life in creating beautifully wrapped gifts. A great thing about furoshiki is that it can wrap anything from wine bottles to books! Check out this simple tutorial for a quick wrapping technique.
Dish Towel
Wrapping something small for the kitchen, like a Danish bread whisk or jar of spices? Consider using a dish towel! Not only is it more flexible than paper, but it allows your recipient to receive another useful item for the best room in the house. Consider this dish towel with Michigan symbols for a Midwest touch!
Beeswax Wrap
If you’re going in a more edible direction, beeswax wrap is a great direction to head. Not only does it wrap the gift, but it can cover bowls and wrap produce for months to come. Beyond that, it’s relatively straightforward to make your own – try this guide to start. When your recipient is done with their wrap, they can re-wax it, or simply compost.
Newspaper
You may have all you need to wrap in a more sustainable way in your mailbox! Newspaper makes a unique gift wrap, and can be themed based on your selection of the ‘Comics’ or ‘Sports’ sections. Try running it through your paper shredder into thin strips for alternative box filler or tissue paper.
Tote bag or fabric bag
A classic go-to, tote bags are readily available from Michigan markets, farm stores, restaurants, and more. Remind your recipient of their favorite eats while supporting a Michigan business! If you can’t find an option for a tote bag, try these fabric bags from a local company.
Vintage buttons
Do you have a collection of buttons just sitting around? Put them to use by replacing your polypropylene ribbons and bows! Take strings made of natural materials, and loop them through with strategically placed vintage buttons for a unique and sustainable look. You can also use raffia, which is biodegradable.
Let’s take the big plastic garbage bag out of holiday mornings with these great alternatives!