Sustainable Ways to Wrap Gifts

Considering how many gifts we wrap each year, for all kinds of special occasions from birthdays to showers to holidays, it’s surprising how few of us consider the sustainability of the wrapping materials we use, like giftwrap, ribbons, bows, and the like. The reality is that as we learn more and more about the realities of our impact on the environment, the more we need to consider every household product, including those with which we use to wrap gifts.

What Does Sustainable Mean in the Gift-Wrapping World?

“Sustainability” is a term applied to products that don’t take up more resources than can be replenished. Think of creating wrapping paper from a fast-replenishing material like bamboo, as opposed to an endangered species of tree. Sustainable materials are also natural in origin, and this term also means that they don’t interfere with the ability of ecosystems and/or human or animal populations to continue sustaining themselves, like stealing resources from a forest that animals rely on, or stealing resources from a remote part of the world that a population of people rely on.

So, what are some sustainable choices that you can make when it comes to wrapping gifts?

Choose Sustainably Made Wrapping Paper

The good news is that you don’t have to go full DIY to wrap gifts with sustainable giftwrap. Plenty of companies make sustainable wrapping paper products nowadays, some better than others. The wrapping paper at Waterleaf Paper Co is made from all-natural materials like sustainable wood pulp, which does not steal away resources that don’t replenish themselves at an equal pace.

Choose Biodegradable Materials

Even better, go with wrapping paper and other giftwrap products that are made from biodegradable materials, which help sustain the earth’s ecosystem. Biodegradable materials are those that naturally break down in the earth, made from natural materials, and replenish our natural resources like our soil and water. These materials feed microorganisms, in turn enriching our soil and water sources in a very short period of time.

Stick to Sustainable Ribbons, Bows, and Other Accessories

Don’t just stick to sustainable wrapping paper – there are lots of “add-ons” that can also be made sustainably, like ribbons, bows, tissue paper, gift bags, and more. Always check to make sure you’re buying from a company that uses sustainable materials and practices, not taking for granted those “smaller” products like ribbon that take up less space.

Yes, Your Tape Matters, Too

If you’re going to commit to a more sustainable gift-giving year ahead, then don’t forget about the tape. It may seem minor, but think about how much tape we go through each year collectively, as a society. With so many tapes made from plastic materials that are not sustainable, it’s worth making the effort to seek out a more environmentally friendly, resource-preserving option.

Give a Gift to the Planet: Wrap Gifts Sustainably This Year

At Waterleaf Paper Co, we offer a plethora of sustainable, eco-friendly, zero-waste, biodegradable products, including wrapping paper in a massive selection of patterns, designs, and colors, as well as ribbons, tissue paper, bows, tape, and more. Our selection covers all of your bases so that you can be confident you’re choosing sustainable materialseach time you prepare for a special occasion with gifts handpicked for your loved ones. Explore our product selection today!