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Wrapping Paper

Gifts wrapped in re-usable bags, boxes, comics and brown paper (along with a borrowed tree) © Amy Nancarrow

Gifts wrapped in re-usable bags, boxes, comics and brown paper (along with a borrowed tree)

Wrapping paper and gift cards are abundant in almost every household over the festive season, and more often than not, end up in large piles on the floor destined to be thrown away.

Over 90% of Australian households have access to kerbside recycling collections, so ensure that you're putting your used wrapping paper and greeting cards into your household recycling bin.

There are also lots of other clever ways to avoid, reduce and re-use wrapping paper:
  • When giving over-sized gifts like bicycles, tie a bow around them instead of wrapping them in paper.
  • Wrap gifts in old maps, newspapers, Sunday comics or old sheets of music
  • Alternatively use brown paper and a colourful bow.
  • Kids' artwork is a perfect wrapping for presents to proud grandparents.
  • Wrap presents in a new scarf, bandanna, calico bag or tea towel.
  • Give gifts in baskets, tins or jars, which can be re-used.
  • Save bows, ribbons and paper to reuse next year.
  • If you do buy gift-wrap, look for recycled paper options, and avoid using foil-wrap as it isn't recyclable.
  • Make sure you separate your paper wrapping paper and cards from any plastic and foil wrappings before putting them in your kerbside collection bins.

More eco-ideas

For other green tips over the festive season, download the Festive Green Guide as a pdf or podcast below.

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