Go Green With Wrapping Paper
WAYNE COUNTY, OH, Dec. 3, 2021 — Gift-giving is a holiday tradition for many families. But one tradition that you should consider doing away with this year is wrapping paper. This stuff is designed to be torn into shreds and tossed away in less than 60 seconds. Despite the word “paper” in the name, paper with coatings, glitter, foil, bows, etc. are not recyclable. Additionally, fibers found in cheaper types of paper are not strong enough to recycle. It’s reportedly a roughly $7 billion business in the U.S.
The American Forest and Paper Association recommends trying something called the “Scrunch Test” as a first guideline to determine whether to trash or recycle it. Crinkle the paper up into a ball—if it stays that way when you let go, it’s fine to put it in the recycle bin. If it tries to go back to its original shape, there’s a good chance it’s going to the landfill.
If every American family wrapped just 3 presents in re-used materials, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields. Have fun, be creative look around your house! Instead, use multicolored pages from publications to wrap small gifts and fabrics, newspapers, or maps for larger boxes. Avoid using paper entirely by using reusable decorative tins, baskets, or boxes. If you do buy wrapping paper, look for ones made of recycled paper. Reusable cloth ribbons can be used in place of plastic bows. Finally, unwrap gifts carefully and save wrappings for reuse next year.
Click here for 50 Alternatives to Wrapping Paper.
Article is courtesy of Stark Tusc. Wayne Recycling District