Global concern around climate issues is at an all-time high, with people’s attitudes toward sustainability changing for the better. A staggering 71% of global consumers are said to be making positive changes to their lifestyle and purchasing habits in 2022, aiming to adopt a more sustainable way of life.
As we step into the month of December, attention shifts towards the festive period for many, with the 2022 holiday expected to be much more positive after a turbulent couple of years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with a 16% rise in Britons excited for the big occasion. New research conducted by German software company SAP also details that despite the ongoing cost of living crisis here in the UK, the majority of consumers aged between 18-34 are still likely to shop more sustainably this Christmas, adopting a more sustainable attitude as a whole.
Although purchasing from more sustainable-minded brands may be a huge part of becoming more environmentally aware this festive season, it is not the only way you can do your bit for the planet this Christmas. Now that the shopping period has well and truly kicked in, it is important to think about how gift-giving can affect the environment. Research shows that over the Christmas holidays, an extra 30% of rubbish is littered and often ends up in landfill, with the majority of this waste coming from gift wrap. To help tackle the issue of waste and help you become more sustainable over the festivities, we have rounded up some of our favourite environmentally friendly gift-wrapping ideas to use this Christmas.
Kraft Paper
When it comes to sustainable wrapping options, using brown or kraft paper is one of the most environmentally friendly materials you can use. Common wrapping papers are often applied with a glossy coating, making them unsuitable for recycling. Not only is brown kraft paper a compostable wrapping solution, but it also possesses great strength qualities, perfect for your bulky and heavier gifts. Many people may not think this plain paper is the most attractive wrapping paper. However, you can add colorful ribbons and festive decorations to make your wrapping more visually glamorous.
Old Newspaper and Magazines
Despite many people now preferring to receive their news digitally, numerous people still opt for a classic newspaper or magazine, with 58% of US & UK citizens favouring a physical version of a magazine compared to digital. With physical copies of newspapers and magazines still circulating within society, many people will have old versions stacked in their homes.
So, instead of keeping them stored away, why not use them to wrap your presents this year? Not only is this a creative and inexpensive way of wrapping your gifts, but it’s also an eco-friendly option and an effective way of reducing waste.
Eco-Friendly Tape
It is not only wrapping paper you need to think about when it comes to sustainability this Christmas, but also the smaller details that help tie the fully finished gift together. It may not be the most obvious aspect of the present. However, plastic tape, if not disposed of properly, can have harmful effects on the environment. When looking for an alternative material to hold your wrap together this year, look for sustainable tape made from organic materials such as bamboo or hemp.
Read here for more eco-friendly Christmas wrapping ideas!