Wrap it with a wrap

It might be the most magical time of the year but it’s also the most wasteful.  One easy solution - ditching the shiny wrapping paper and swapping for attractive and reusable cloths. Amy is here to show you how. 

Rethinking our wrapping

It’s the most magical time of the year, I mean what can be more magical than waking up on Christmas morning racing downstairs and seeing what the big man in the red coat has left under the tree? But what about the aftermath? When all of the presents have been opened and all of the torn wrapping paper piles up high. 

In the UK alone we use 227,000 miles of wrapping paper every year and a whopping 40 million rolls of sticky tape and let's not even mention gift tags. That’s a lot of waste for just one day and most of this won’t (or can’t) even be recycled. 

Wrap it with fabric! 

One of the best substitutes is a fabric wrap. Not only are they quick and easy to use,they can be used over and over again and the best bit; they look the part. Even just adding one wrap to your collection every year will reduce the impact on the environment. And imagine all of the beautiful colours and designs you can collect along the way. It also makes wrapping those awkward items like bottles and oddly shaped gifts, look like they've been wrapped by a pro. 

It's the new trend

One benefit of lockdown is the surge in people using their time to become more eco-aware and getting into hobbies - with crafting being high on the agenda. Put the two together, and you've got a sudden buzz around furoshiki – the Japanese art of fabric wrapping. Furoshiki are traditional Japanese cloths used to transport food, clothes or gifts. 

Savvy wraps

Fabric gift wrap doesn’t have to cost the earth and there are lots of different options available. Using an old head scarf is not only free but prolongs an item's life. Another great choice is a Wax wrap (vegan options available). These are perfect for wrapping soaps or food items and again, can be reused within the home (just keep them away from any heat sources). If you’re not much of a wrapper or if you find wrapping difficult then a patterned cotton gift bag is another quick and easy option.

If you're clever enough and not too swayed by Christmas prints, your wraps can also be used for birthday, thank you and other celebrations at home! If you keep clothes within a family or friendship circle, it eventually makes its way back to the first person who tied it - creating a little magic and tradition in passing things on. 

 Want more eco-wrapping tips? Head here for more.

Amy is the face behind @athomewiththepaynes on Instagram adding colour and personality to her town house in Wiltshire. Head over to her account for DIY and interior inspiration.