The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
IT’S A WRAP
norm, Wrappily shuns additives and uses newsprint for its paper. Its products can be recycled in the same way as newspapers. “The benefit is that it is 100 percent recyclable,” said Smith. “Newspapers are recycled everywhere. They are the most widely accepted recyclable material. Humble newsprint (is) like a rock star when it comes to wrapping paper, because the fiber can actually be broken down and recycled up to seven times.”
For more information about Wrappily products, visit wrappily.com.
Eco-friendly cards
The same rules for picking ecofriendly wrapping paper apply to the cards, too. “The tip I can give to your readers is… to avoid cards with glitter or foil embellishment,” says Mackenzie Jeans, “anything that has that kind of material on it makes it not recyclable. Sticking to your regular card stock is the best way to go … to be eco-friendly.”
Jeans is the president of Allport editions in Portland. The company, which got its start in San Francisco, works to reduce scrap (by using entire paper sheets) and recycles all of its waste. It also prints with veggiebased inks and uses sustainableharvest pulp for its paper.
“Recycled content is a really great thing, and it’s not standard,” Jeans says. “If you see anything that says it contains recycled content, then you know that company went out of its way to make sure its papers included recycled content.”
For more information, visit www.allport.com.
Repurposing
It’s a simple concept that can make a big difference. Instead of buying something new, use something you already have when packaging gifts this season.
“I’m a big fan of repurposing,” Smith says. “My go-to when I’m wrapping (is) to look at what I have around and get creative with ways to gussy it up a little bit. You can take an old shoe box and make it into a gift box.”
Other examples include reusing previously read newspapers as wrapping paper, tying it with old twine instead of new ribbon and turning paper scraps into bows and other decorations.
“That way you’re not actually using any new materials,” Smith says. “You’re up-cycling.”
Nature’s beauty
There’s also a groovy alternative to bows, ribbons and paper adornments, and it’s right outside your door.
“Got out into nature, wherever you are, and take a sprig of a plant or an evergreen or an interesting seed pod,” Smith recommends. “I like to use those as gift toppers, rather than the acrylic bows or big plastic hay ribbons,” which are not bio-degradable.
“Even a stick could be interesting — you could paint it. Succulent clippings are super easy and always look great. In the case of succulents, the cool thing is that people can just stick it in some dirt or water, and it will propagate itself. “So … you’ve got a whole ‘nother plant out of that.”
Biodegradable ribbon
Ribbons sure look nice on