Corrugated cardboard isn't the only thing that can go to the recycle bin. The wrapping paper can also be reused if it is not made of aluminum foil and does not have plastic ties. Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia said New Yorkers can aim for a waste-free Christmas if they're truly ambitious. Yes, you can recycle Christmas wrapping paper unless it's metallic, has glitter or has velvet flocks.
Not all types of gift wrapping are recyclable, but many are. Wrapping paper cannot be recycled if it contains sparkles, glitter, sequins, aluminum foil, artificial texture, adhesive gift tags, or plastic. Nor can it be recycled if it has been laminated or if it still has lots of excess tape, tapes or ribbons attached. The EPA and other agencies often encourage families to reuse gift bags, boxes and tissue paper.
And the good news is that, as with fashion magazines, satin wrapping paper can be recycled. Basically, as long as you're sure that the wrapping paper is actually made of paper, it can be recycled with paper and cardboard. And the same goes for cardboard gift boxes, as long as they don't have a plastic or metal coating, they can most likely be recycled. There are also many sustainable gift wrapping alternatives that you can wrap in recycled paper from the house, such as newspapers or old maps; you can wrap a gift with a piece of cloth, such as a scarf, that later becomes part of the gift; or you can simply place your gift in a beautiful handbag.
With lots of shiny Christmas paper, ribbons, boxes and gift bags, some may wonder how to dispose of all the leftovers. There are other eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas, including the Japanese tradition of wrapping Furoshiki gifts with multifunctional cloths. Furoshiki, traditional Japanese cloths used to wrap gifts or products, come in several sizes and are a great way to give as a gift. Other recommended ways to adorn a gift include using old Christmas cards as gift tags or even natural pineapples or hemp twine to finish the gift.
