New Year, New Residues: How to Recycle and Reuse your Holiday Packagings

After the holidays we are usually left with a few extra kilos, both under the belt and in the trash. It is estimated that, on average, each European produces almost 180 kg of packaging waste every year. In the USA, 2.1 million kg of wrapping paper is produced yearly –and about half of it ends up in landfills.

With the rise of online shopping the waste situation has gotten even worse: every order comes with the added environmental cost of a huge amount of packaging materials that end up in the trash.  

Aside from being responsible when shopping, with a little creativity we can also limit our impact on the planet by making a correct use of our paper and carton waste.

1. Save and reuse

As we know, the best option is always to reuse what we already own. Wrapping paper and gift bags can seem disposable, but they don’t have to be. Many of them will still look brand new after spending a few days under the Christmas tree. There’s no reason not to use them again next year. Aside from being the green choice, it will save you money.

If your leftover wrapping paper is torn or too damaged to reuse, you can shred it and use it to safely store your more delicate Christmas decorations, or even to pack future gifts –It’s a useful, sustainable and colorful packaging hack.

If you’re handy, you can also use the leftover paper and bags to make arts and crafts. From gift cards and bows to decorations and origami, the possibilities are only limited by your creativity.

2. Recycle (properly)

Not everything that shines is recyclable. Make sure you properly separate 100% recyclable paper and carton from the rest of your packaging waste. Those shiny, glittery wrapping papers are usually not recyclable, so don’t put them in the paper recycling bin.

If you’re not sure if they are recyclable or not, try this: press the paper into a ball; if once you let go it keeps that shape, then you can safely recycle it. Otherwise, it’s better to reuse it or put it in the ordinary trash bin.

It’s also important that you remove any tape residue from the packaging, as well as bows, ribbons and the handles from gift bags if they aren’t made from paper or carton, since these can’t be recycled either.

Some gifts, like toys, come in carton boxes but also include plastic packaging and smaller bits like twisty ties made of plastic or metal. Make sure to separate them from the rest of the paper and carton waste.

3. Beyond wrapping paper

We may not like to admit it, but around the holidays we get many gifts that we know we will rarely, if ever, use. If you can’t return them or exchange them, save them for regifting, or think of somebody who really needs or would appreciate them.

There are also plenty of organizations you can donate your unwanted gifts to. If you received a book you already own, donate it to your local library or at a second hand bookstore. Clothes are always welcome at institutions that work with those in need, more so if they’re new. You can even make a day of it by doing some early ‘spring cleaning’ and donating the clothes you don’t wear any longer with the ne gifted ones.

 When it comes to food, any extra tinned goods and other nonperishables that you might have gotten in the classic Christmas basket can be donated to your parish or food bank, so they can be appreciated by someone who really needs them.

If you were still looking for a new year’s resolution, this is your sign to dedicate your efforts to becoming a bit more ‘green’ in 2023. The planet will thank you.