ORILLIA — The countdown is on! Cards are sent, presents are bought, tree is decorated, dinners are planned, and all that is left to do is wrap the presents and put them under the tree.
OK, more realistically we are all scrambling to get everything together in time to sing Christmas carols around the tree. This season save money and help reduce the amount of garbage being put on the curb on Boxing Day with a few simple changes in your gift-wrapping techniques. Canadians’ waste production goes up by 25 per cent between Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, it doesn’t have to.
Gift wrapping typically is done one of two ways: wrapping presents in foil-covered paper that cannot be recycled or placing presents in foil-covered bags covered by tissue paper, both of which again cannot be recycled. Get ready for new wrapping ideas most with supplies you already have at home! The most important thing to remember when trying these new wrapping techniques is K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Santa). Gift wrapping doesn’t need to be fancy to be the talk of the tree.
First, try wrapping the present in another present. Pick up a dish, bath or hand towel (depending on the size of the present), place the present in the middle and tie it up around to create a beautifully wrapped gift. Ribbon, rope or twine can be used to tie the towel with a nice bow. Or opt for using the towel to tie the present up. Simple knots or fancy ones, no matter the choice, everyone would love this practical wrapping. Toss an ornament or decorative key/ball/keychain/pompom/etc. on the knot to make it even fancier.
Don’t have a towel to use? Cut up an old sheet, scarf or sweater to make a gift wrap or bag. If you have any sewing skills, simply sew a hem to put a ribbon in to tie everything together. Cut the sleeves off an old sweater to wrap a bottle of wine; just tie it up with a ribbon for a pretty but protected gift.
All these ideas are great but sometimes you just want the simplicity of paper and tape. Not a problem. Use tissue paper from gifts given to you, newspaper or any decorative paper you have lying around, repurpose paper bags into wrapping, grab an old map and create an adventure-themed gift wrap, or use drawings from your child. There are so many options for paper wrapping that involve paper that can be recycled. Use any odds and sods you find to decorate the top of the present, but remember a little goes a long way. Keep It Simple Santa! A simple pair of bells or Christmas tree sprig is enough to make the present shine.
Gift wrapping doesn’t have to be a big event, time consuming, or expensive. These simple techniques can help you have your presents wrapped uniquely using supplies you already own and helping the environment at the same time.
This article was written by Shania Van Dusen, a graduate student at Lakehead University and intern with Kids for Turtles. Kids for Turtles Environmental Education is an outreach organization working to increase public awareness about the importance of increasing our attention and commitment to local environmental stewardship. Its monthly column is published on the third Wednesday of the month. For more information, visit its website.
