Wrappy Christmas, eco-style

What good an ethical Christmas pressie if you wrap it in non-eco paper and attach a non-eco card? Oh, and put it under a non-biodegradeable tree? Clare Saxon finds eco-friendly wrap, cards and trees.

Clare writes:

After your careful gift buying it can be very tempting to wrap your pressies in opulent wrapping paper, as is tradition, without thinking where it all comes from. Did you know around 50,000 trees are cut down for seasonal wrapping paper and cards every year? And that’s not even including all the Christmas trees.

If you must buy new wrapping paper, buy 100% recycled. Nigelsecostore.com has some gorgeous cloud paper for a puff of the price of normal paper (£1.50) which I for one will be using all year round.

Biomelifestyle.com has some fashionable prints made with vegetable dye, but at £1.50 you won’t be paying extra for your conscience.

Another good online store is The-green-apple.co.uk which has kitsch and unique recycled paper to please every friend in your address book. ‘Buttons’, £1.50, is my favourite because it is prettily festive, but  if you have any scraps after Christmas it will work for birthday wrap too.

If it’s straight-up jingle bells style you are after, look no further than Naturalcollection.com who have a whopping six sheets for £4.50.

Ecotopia.co.uk also does four great seasonal sheets of paper for £3.99 and matching recycled cards for £4.99 for 6.

Re-using old sugar paper, newspapers, magazines and brown paper as wrapping paper can look stylish despite the mini price tag. It’s about being neat and careful, and adding personal touches like old ribbons and pictures. If you want to buy brown paper, WWF.org.uk have 10 sheets for £6.99 plus all the other bits and bobs you need, like eco-friendly Sellotape for £2.99! Bonus.

If you want more inspiration on being creative with your wrapping paper then check out Boakart.com or Curbly.com for DIY ideas from enthusiasts and experts alike.

If you do actually need to buy new paper to design your cards and wrapping paper head to eco-craft.co.uk where you can get every colour and texture under the sun.

But don’t go thinking you have to stick to paper when wrapping your treasures. Re-using old gift bags, boxes, scarves, material scraps, pots and packaging can look smart if done with care and everyone will love your green and practical ideas. It’s all about the way you wrap it.

Next page:  Eco-friendly Christmas card ideas