The why behind reducing our wasteline at Christmas is pretty clear: an already struggling waste system gets 30% more added to it. However, simply putting a bit more thought into our shopping practices—both the where to buy and the what to get—can help cut back on unnecessary waste. Keep reading for environmentally friendly wrapping and gift ideas for those already on the green side.

WRAPPING IT ALL UP

I have a confession to make: I love a nicely wrapped present. I love little details, like matching ribbons and gift tags. But there are so many ways of getting that same attention to detail without costing the earth.

Newspapers and magazines

This is an old standby, and one that can be can help greatly reduce your Christmas budget as you may already have some around the house.

Maps

Old atlas pages are my favourite way of wrapping gifts. The paper quality is good enough to look quite smart, and you can even use cities or locations that are meaningful to the recipient (I told you I liked details!). These sheets are especially good for wrapping DVDs and books.

Sheet music / books

Charity shops are a great source for both of these: old books of music and large tomes like dictionaries can be sacrificed for the greater good to wrap smaller packages.

Brown Wrapping

Rolls of brown parcel paper can be purchased far cheaper than normal gift wrap and decorated however you wish: personalised for the recipient with some of their favourite things, a whole roll with a seasonal focus, or let the kids go wild with decorating on a rainy autumn day.

Scarf / tea towel

Wrapping something in a scarf or a tea towel allows you to give two presents in one. Cousin Norman’s in Chippenham does sari wraps that can double as a scarf (and sells gift wrap without plastic). On the High Street, Lush offers knot wraps, but any fabric can be pressed into service.

Gift bags

Standard cardboard gift bags make it easy to wrap awkward presents and, if you know the person well enough, you can ask to have the bag back afterwards and reuse it until it wears out. My preferred option is to give gifts in reusable bags that the recipient can then use themselves; Oxfam’s I was a Sari foldaway bags are lovely, one-of-a-kind practical gifts that are perfect for this.

Tins

I have to admit that I tend to re-use biscuit tins for office supplies because they fit perfectly in my desk drawers, but you can also use them to put gifts in. Or perhaps refill with homemade biscuits?

Glass bottles

This is a suggestion that I came across recently at an environmental event. Maybe a wine bottle with a printed certificate for a wine-tasting experience rolled up inside? Or something that can double as a vase when it’s done? Interesting jars and other containers can also be used to house gifts; use a bit of tissue paper and twine to turn it into a Christmas cracker.