Ideal Bite

Want eco-friendly gift wrap that's slightly sassier than the Sunday comics?

11.21.2006

Submitted by idealbite on Tue, 11/21/2006 - 6:00pm.

The Bite:

Don't get us wrong - old copies of Boondocks make great wrapping paper, but sometimes you need something a little classier. Lucky you - there are plenty of recycled and/or reusable gift wraps that look even better than the conventional stuff.

The Benefits:

Less waste. Americans throw away 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year's.
Save trees. Only about 45% of all paper is recycled in the US.
Lead by example. Try recycled gift wrap that looks like the conventional stuff, then dumbfound your anti-eco uncle when you tell him the truth.

Personally Speaking:

Jen has been a long-time brown paper bag with raffia wrapper, while Heather likes to "double-gift" - she wraps presents using reusable cloth gift bags whenever she can.

Wanna Try:

Holiday Nostalgia Gift Wrap - recycled gift wrap from eco-oriented Smith & Hawken ($9).
Natural Elements Gift Wrap - made from shedding tree bark, it's got a great fabric-like texture ($6).
Peaceful Valley - not holiday-themed, but we love their nature-themed wraps (prices vary).
Winter Berries Gift Wrap - UK Biters can get their recycled gift wrap and support wildlife at the same time (£4).
Ideal Bite's B'day Tip - think beyond paper. Try reusables: one of the best ways to dress up your gift without waste.

Cocktail Fact

Wrap stars: artist couple Christo and Jeanne-Claude have become famous by wrapping places like Berlin's Reichstag and Paris's Pont Neuf bridge in tree-free materials.