Gift-giving can be a hassle for both you and the environment. Each year in the U.S., we throw away nearly 4 million tons of trash from gift-wrap and shopping bags. Further more, according to the Recycler’s Handbook, nearly half of the paper consumed in America is used to wrap and decorate consumer products. Why buy gift wrap? Be creative! Use old newspapers, grocery bags, or butcher paper. Take a look at these awesome eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas from Heidi Klum.
If you are anything like me, your gift-wrapping skills are… under-developed (my presents often seem to be wrapped in tape, rather than actual gift wrap). While this excess tape definitely leads to an “attractive” present, it does make the gift wrap more difficult to recycle. If this is the case, try gift bags! VZWraps’ Etsy storefront offers some awesome cloth gift bags, designed to be re-gifted.