Over the month of December, American household waste increases dramatically. Between holiday food waste, shopping bags, wrapping paper, bows, ribbons and boxes, the EPA estimates of an additional one million tons of waste a week are added to landfills. We love the holidays as much as the next person – gift giving and receiving is one of our five love languages after all – but rarely do we consider the impact these traditions have on our environment. Since Parachute's beginning, we've sought to manufacture our products free of bleaches and dyes that can be harmful to the planet – and ourselves. This holiday whether you're gifting Parachute or this season's must-haves, we put together a list of creative and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional wrapping.
Furoshiki
The Japanese art of fabric wrapping uses a pieces of square fabric to create the perfectly packaged gift. Depending on the size of your gift, the size of your fabric will vary. We’re partial to using linen napkins but any fabric such as vintage napkins or silk scarves will create a stylish and no-waste end result. For different tying techniques, there are several tutorials and instructions available.
Kraft or Vintage Paper
For a 100% biodegradable wrapping option, consider using kraft paper. It degrades naturally in just a few weeks and despite its monotonous look, it’s one of the easiest wrapping techniques to dress up. You can keep decorating classic with ribbon and a gift topper or add your own flair by creating a design unique to each gift with stamps, metallic pens, stickers and more.
If kraft paper is a little too dull for your taste – or your recipient – hit up your local swap meet or vintage store for vintage wrapping paper. Not only are these finds perfectly kitschy, they’re recycled. It’s a win win.
Reusable Fabric Pouches
Need a last minute gift bag? Look no further than your linen closet. We’ve discussed all the things you can do with a reusable Parachute fabric pouch in the past, but let this be your reminder: there’s nothing simpler, more beautiful and on brand. Wrap like normal gift and safety pin any excess fabric or place your gift and fill any extra space with tissue paper, tie on a name tag and voilà!
Festive Gift Toppers
No matter your wrapping style, elevate your gift giving by making unique gift toppers out of leftovers from your holiday decorating. Tree trimmings, pinecones, garland, bells, lights and ribbon can all be repurposed into gift toppers. Using twine, hot glue or double sided tape, jazz up your gifts with fun ornaments that double as a second gift.
