Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Wrapping Paper

The Palisadian-Post has partnered with locally founded environmental organization Resilient Palisades to deliver a weekly “green tip” to our readers. This week’s tip was written by Palisades Charter High School junior Nika Nazarizadeh.

As the holidays roll around, so does the hunt to get gifts for loved ones. But what about the environmental harm associated with wrapping gifts?

Making the change from conventional wrapping paper to recyclable wrapping paper is a good way to be more eco-friendly this holiday season—and may get you a spot on Santa’s nice list.

Everyday wrapping paper is nearly impossible to recycle due to excessive linings of glitter, low-end dyed fibers and plastic. Plastic is made with crude oil (unrefined petroleum), so that’s naughty list material right there.

Plain paper wrap is also not the most eco-friendly option. Why contribute to deforestation simply to wrap a gift?

My preferred method to wrap gifts for my siblings, parents and friends is to see what I can find around the house. After all, the most meaningful gifts come from the heart.

I’ve wrapped gifts in wrapping paper from previous gifts I’ve received, cloth from old articles of clothing and even newspapers (like previous editions of the Palisadian-Post!). I once wrapped a dress I bought for my best friend’s birthday with old Vogue magazine pages, which made the gift more thoughtful and sentimental.

If none of those options seem appealing and you’re hooked on traditional wrapping paper, there are sustainable ways to shop for it. Wrappily offers a new take on wrapping paper by printing festive holiday designs onto recycled newspaper. Then you can let your loved one know they can recycle the wrapping paper, or try and sell them on the idea of reusing the wrapping paper. That may be the greatest gift of all and is certainly in the spirit of the holiday season.

Peace on Earth, and peace for Earth.