Who else collects and reuses wrapping paper? Just at Christmas or year round?
We always fold up the decent bits of paper (those the kids have ripped to shreds go in the recycling bin!) and keep them for future use. Some relatives look down at us for it, thinking we’re being cheap and lazy. Yes, it does save us money (some of which goes into buying better presents for said relatives!) but more importantly, it saves the environment.
The creation of wrapping paper involves chopping down trees, processing the paper (which uses fossil fuels and huge amounts of water) and printing the paper. Then add in the footprint of wrapping paper – how far does it travel to reach your Christmas tree? And if you collect enough paper, it is one less thing you need to worry about buying next Christmas (potentially saving pollution of driving to the shops, too!)
Other ways we save on wrapping paper are:
- using paper we already have (e.g. from the deli) and getting the kids to decorate it – saves paper and money, entertains the kids and provides a personalised wrapping paper
- using something practical instead of paper – tea towels and ribbons in particular wrap gifts nicely
What does everyone else think about green gift wrapping?
I always resuse paper that can be reused. I’ve even used old wedding paper inside out so it looks like silver paper!!!
I always reuse paper, too – but I’d never thought of turning the metalic ones inside out! Most of our wedding paper was generic enough to reuse, for Valentines Day if nothing else!
And some old wrapping pape goes to the kids (at home or kinder) for their craft work – saves buying coloured craft paper!
I think a important portion of contemporary Christmas seems to be complaining about it and the most sacred day on the U.S. Calendar is currently Black Friday.
We don’t use wrapping paper at all, we use bags. Our bags get used & reused until the bottoms fall out. We have recently started to gift in boxes that can serve other purposes through out the year.
That’s great to hear, Tabitha – wrapping paper may look pretty but it is such a waste I think so reusing bags or boxes is much better.
I do buy wrapping paper, especially when it is on sale. But I use it for so many other things other than wrapping. It makes a great table covering for your outdoor entertaining. Throwing chips or pretzels in a basket, it makes a great liner and don’t forget book covers for the kiddies. I have even made envelopes out of it. It doesn’t have to be just Christmas paper, any and all will do, there are thousands of uses for it.
Christmas paper as lining for a basket/bowl is such a simple but effective idea – I’m going to pinch that one, pocs 🙂
I always reuse wrapping paper. It’s a habit I got from my mom who would always keep wrapping papers from gifts after carefully taking it apart. We used to cover our school books with them sometimes.
What colourful school books you must have had! I have used birthday wrapping paper on a couple of folders, too.
Another use for wrapping paper wether used or new. It’s a great packing supply. Instead of styrofoam peanuts, bubble wrap or foam use the gift wrap. This is a great way to “repurpose” used gift wrap.
Good for repurposing it but I think it would be a bit expensive if you used new wrapping paper for packing! I’ve certainly used old wrapping paper around precious items when I’ve moved house.
Thanks for another sugestion, pocs.