Let’s talk about wrapping paper. It’s estimated that 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper are produced each year in the US. About half of that lands in landfills. It’s hard to face the heavy juxtaposition. On one hand, we have the bright packages glittering under the Christmas tree, inspiring sheer delight amongst children and adults alike for moments that are infinitely precious. On the other, we have millions of pounds of holiday giftwrap wasting away… for centuries. How are we to reconcile these two realities?

I’m glad you asked.

1. Choose recyclable wrapping paper: I was under the impression that all wrapping paper was recyclable until more recently in life. I’ve since learned that anything glittery, metallic, or shiny is destined for the landfill. And if you crumple it up after use and it attempts to break free of its compact shape, that means it’s not recyclable either. There are some wrapping papers that are labeled as recyclable for purchase, and more power to you if you pick that up, but it’s cost prohibitive for most of us.
2. Ditch the single-use mindset and re-use: Did you get your kid a massive gift for the holidays, and they (miraculously) didn’t trash the paper in the process of unwrapping? Fold that shit up! Did you receive some presents in gift bags from friends or family? If they are coated, laminated, or shiny, they’re probably not recyclable, so hold onto them. Stick them in a “bag of bags” and tuck them away until next year. Ribbons and bows? Unless the cats have destroyed them beyond recognition, there’s no reason they can’t be used again. And again. Especially the quality ones.
3. Tissue paper can be reused, too: Most facilities don’t accept it for recycling, but it might be compostable. A better solution, though, is reuse. Smoothed out tissue paper is overrated. Let it be crinkly. Fold it up and use it again unless someone has shredded it in their enthusiastic glee.
4. Make your own: If you have any brown paper bags lying around, you (and/or your kids) can repurpose these into a wrapping paper art project. If you have rubber stamps and ink pads, you can create an easy, repetitive design. Markers are great, too. Just a heads up that using paint, crayon, or glitter will render it unrecyclable.
5. Think outside the box: There are so many alternatives to traditional gift wrapping. One LoCo commenter suggested digging up reusable totes and placing gifts inside, thus avoiding traditional wrapping paper and also getting more reusable bags in circulation. Brilliant! Do you have any dish towels, cloth napkins, fabric scraps, or scarves you have no intention of using? Wrap your gifts in that, tying it with a festive ribbon (maybe from last year). Or twine, for a rustic chic look. Gather some pine cones or use some tree trimmings to tie in. Or Crown Royal bags! Reusable giftwrap products exist, but with a little creativity it’s not necessary to buy anything, and the possibilities really open up.
6. Maker’s Apron Creative Reuse: This Old Town shop is a phenomenal gem with countless repurposed creative goods—perfect for enveloping your holiday gifts in. Last I checked, they had fabric for $5 a bag and bows for cheap. And elf kits?! What more could you want? Check them out at 317 E Street in Eureka.
   
7. Appreciate local newspapers, in multiple ways: We have the good fortune of more than one great news source in this community! When you’re done soaking up this week’s Journal (assuming you haven’t used it as tinder to start a fire yet), wrap your gifts up in its pages! Cherry-pick the article your loved one might appreciate the most so you can discuss it together after admiring their new prized possession. Or not. Just an idea.

At the end of the day, it’s about harm reduction. Not perfection. Not piousness. If you still want a couple rolls of shiny, glittery wrapping paper, that’s an option. If you cut the amount of landfill-bound wrapping paper even by half, that’s fantastic. That’s a significant difference. It’s also about a paradigm shift. Opening up our minds to new, sustainable ways of doing things looks different. It feels different. But its final presentation can be just as intriguing, because it’s not as simple as first-glance, outward appearance. It’s the love and intention put into it.

Essentially, what’s on the inside.