It’s no secret that the holidays are a time of increased waste and overconsumption. As you are celebrating the holidays I encourage you to be mindful about the waste you produce.

There are a few easy ways to do this such as saving left over food and practicing eco-friendly gift wrapping.

This list features eight easy tips to gift wrap more sustainably.

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How much waste is produced during the holidays?

Stanford University reports that Americans throw away 25% more trash during the Thanksgiving to New Year's holiday period than any other time of year.

The extra waste amounts to 25 million tons of garbage, or about 1 million extra tons per week! It’s no secret that gift wrap isn’t always the most sustainable act.

However, wrapped presents are a bit more fun to open. So here are a few ideas on how to wrap gifts in an eco-friendly way this holiday season. We’re discussing reusable materials, recycled gift wrap, cloth wrapping, & more.

9 Tips to Wrap Holiday Gifts More Sustainably

Reduce your waste with these creative ways to wrap Christmas gifts.

1) Wrap with recycled newspapers or brown bags.

Piece together old newspapers and use this as a fun gift wrap. It adds a bit of character to the package. Or cut up those Trader Joe’s & Target brown bags and create wrapper paper.

If you’re feeling super crafty you could even add a bit of rosemary or eucalyptus to spruce up the package and add an extra festive touch.

2) Consider switching to washi-tape

While most tapes are plastic based Washi-tape is a decorative adhesive tape made from traditional Japanese paper. This tape made from paper is made from renewable and biodegradable resources which is great.

Paper Chase reports this tape is typically made from ganpi, kozo, mistumata or sometimes hemp, but it can be fashioned from almost any plant. And you can recycle your washi tape!

Washi tape comes in colorful prints and patterns which makes it great for adding to your brown bag wrapping paper to add a pop of color.

3) Save those gift bags people give you and reuse them.

Personally, I like to save bags when people give me gifts. That way I am able to reuse them AND it’s free. No need to spend money on gift wrapping supplies when you can just recycle what has been used before!

4) Support Small Businesses when buying new wrapping materials.

If you choose to purchase new wrapping materials try to find a small or local business to support. Small and local businesses typically use more eco-conscious materials and are more aware of their supply chain and waste.

UpRoot Design Studio is a great small business that creates vibrate mailers boxes with recycled materials and carries organic fabric gift bags too.

5) Wrap with fabric.

If you’ve ever been to Lush you’ve seen just how beautiful cloth wrapping truly can be. Gifting with cloth gives the gift receiver a wonderful opportunity to reuse the cloth as a towel, scarf, or whatever their heart desires.

AND it prevents any silly wrapping materials from ending up in landfills. Ten Thousand Villages has some awesome recycled Sari Gift Wrap that is colorful and fun! Great for reusing!

6) Gift in Reusable Fabric Bags

There are some super fun and cute reusable bags! These make great gift giving supplies because it’s like a bonus gift. The gift receiver can reuse this bag when they grocery shop! How great! You can easily find some fun & affordable cotton bags that would make adorable wrapping and double as a fabulous gift as well!

7) Consider Beeswax Wrap

While I know beeswax wrap is typically used for wrapping leftover food, you can use it to wrap your gifts! The recipient can then wash & use the beeswax wrap in their kitchen. It’s like another bonus gift!

8) Add some natural elements

For an extra festive touch consider using herbs or holiday plants. This is a sustainable way to dress up your gifts!

9) If you’re going to buy new, buy recycled or biodegradable.

If you are shipping packages or need to buy new wrapping or packaging materials try to buy supplies that are made with recycled materials or biodegradable. They even make biodegradable packing peanuts.

There is recyclable bubble wrap you can purchase for breakables. And wrapping paper and tissue paper made from recycled materials. Choose consciously!I get a lot of my eco-friendly wrapping and packaging from Ecoenclose, & Nashville Wraps.

Sustainable Holiday Tips