Trail Mail: How Do I Wrap Gifts Without Trashing the Planet?
Real questions. Field-tested answers.
Got something on your mind? Ask away — your friendly Camp Counselor is in.
Dear Field Trip,I love giving gifts, but hate how much trash comes with it. Is there a better way to wrap stuff that’s still cute but doesn’t feel like an environmental crime?—Festively Frustrated
Camp Counselor Says: Oh yeah, we’re with you. The average American creates 25% more waste between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. That’s millions of pounds of paper, tape, and packaging headed straight for the landfill. But don’t panic — we’re here to help you unwrap some better ideas.
Let’s start with what not to do.
The Naughty List: Wrapping No-Nos
These are the holiday versions of single-use plastics. Skip ‘em:
Shiny, glittery, metallic wrapping paper. Can’t be recycled. It’s usually plastic-coated and full of microplastics.
Plastic bows and ribbons. They look cute for one minute, then spend forever in a landfill.
Anything with glitter. On paper, cards, bags, or bows. Just say no.
Tissue paper overload. A little is fine, but most ends up trashed. Avoid the temptation to overstuff gift bags.
Better Ideas That Still Look Good Under the Tree
Let’s get festive and creative:
1. Furoshiki (Fabric Wrapping)
Borrowed from Japanese tradition, furoshiki is the art of wrapping with cloth. Use bandanas, tea towels, scarves, or thrifted fabric.
Bonus: It’s a reusable part of the gift.
Tip: Search "furoshiki wrap techniques" online for cool folds and ties.
2. Recycled Kraft Paper
That plain brown paper? It’s endlessly versatile. Dress it up with:
Twine or yarn (biodegradable!)
Foraged greenery like pine, rosemary, or dried citrus
Hand-stamped prints or potato stamps
3. Maps, Newspapers, Sheet Music
Old stuff becomes new again. And it looks cool.
Great for oddly shaped items or last-minute wrap emergencies.
4. Boxes, Jars, and Tins
Gift inside a gift.
Use mason jars, thrifted cookie tins, or old cigar boxes.
Pro tip: Jars are perfect for edible gifts like cookies or spiced nuts.
5. Reuse What You’ve Got
Keep a bin of last year’s gift bags, boxes, and ribbon. If you don’t toss it, it’s not single-use.
Field Tip: Make the Tag Part of the Gift
Instead of a card, tie on a campy patch, a small ornament, or a handwritten haiku. It’s more personal, and more likely to be kept.
Final Verdict: Keep It Simple, Keep It Pretty, Keep It Out of the Landfill
A little creativity goes a long way. And honestly? These kinds of gifts feel more special — because someone thought about the presentation instead of just throwing shiny paper at it.
Happy giving,
Your Camp Counselor
P.S. Got a burning question for us? Send it in!
This story is part of The 89 Percent Project, an initiative of the global journalism collaboration Covering Climate Now.
