With the holiday season underway, I thought it would be an appropriate time to write about whether or not wrapping paper is recyclable. This is a question that I couldn't even answer. So, I did some research and found some really interesting answers and alternatives to wrapping paper.
Many types of wrapping paper are NOT recyclable! Here are some reasons why:
1) Wrapping paper is often dyed, laminated and/or contains non-paper additives such as gold and silver coloured shapes, glitter, plastics etc which cannot be recycled
2) Some wrapping paper is very thin and contains few good quality fibres for recycling
3) Many times the ink isn't on the surface but what is refered to as "beater dyed" with means the color is in the pulp. That means the color cannot be removed in the deinking process.
4) A lot of wrapping paper has sticky tape attached to it which makes it very difficult to recycle.
Good alternatives that are recyclable or reusable:
1) Gift Bags- as long as they will tear and if they do not have foil or glitter on them.
2) Wrap in Newspaper- the comics are great and so are foreign newspapers. These can be picked up (usually free) at specialty markets.
3) Large Paper Bags-cut and turn them inside-out, let your little one go crazy with their crayons or markers
4) Gift Certificates placed in a nice envelop- hole punch one corner of the envelop and add some decorative ribbon. You will be able to hang this one one the tree.
5) Cloth Bag- cloth bags are great and can be reused many times (by many people). Visit www.reusablebags.com or just make them yourself.
6)Recycled Wrapping Paper- Look for gift wrap that is made of recyclable material.
