Nothing new for Christmas: Ditch the wrapping

20211126__untitled-1.jpg

Christmas doesn’t have to be expensive, wasteful or plastic-filled. Take Living Smart’s Buy Nothing new for Christmas challenge.

#### Wrap alternatives

Australians use about 150,000 km of wrapping paper a year. That’s enough to go around the world 4 times!

Avoid wrapping completely by making or buying gifts that don’t need wrapping such as experiences, vouchers, local hampers or hand made gifts such as jams, sweet treats or shortbread.

Why not try and make your own reusable and special gift boxes – check out this video with local artist Gretchen Keelty.

null

Check out Get creative with handmade and upcycled presents for details.

Eco-friendly wrap and card options

There are loads of eco-friendly wrap and card options. Here are just a few:

  • Turn old t-shirts, pillow cases or other fabric into gift wrap and tie with twine
  • Reuse wrap or gift boxes given to you by other people
  • Choose plain brown paper and embellish with fabric ribbon
  • Upcycle fabric shopping bags
  • Make your own cards and gift tags from items you have at home
  • Decorate plain cardboard boxes
  • Reuse mailing boxes.

Do you have a creative idea to add? How is your family embracing the Buy nothing new challenge this Christmas? Living Smart would love to hear from you. Email us or comment below.

Previous article

Next article

20211126__hero.jpg

It's a wrap! Artisan Market

Just in time for Christmas, it’s Caloundra Regional Gallery’s annual artisan market!

It's a wrap! Artisan Market

Related stories

How to teach your children to use less energy

Most kids love learning new things and relish the opportunity to be helpful around the house. When you explain the importance of saving energy, they'll be more than happy to do their bit. Here are a few tips on how to encourage kids to save energy.

Young boy with a plant in pot

33 Things to do before you're 3!

The information on this page has since been developed into an App called GROW with Nature Play. It's a practical play app for Grown-ups that features heaps of things-to-do, tips, hints, and all sorts of information about how and why playing in nature can benefit your baby. GROW with Nature Play is $2.99 with proceeds supporting Nature Play QLD's services, programs and resource development to benefit QLD children. It can be found on Apple Store and Google Play. Read more about GROW with Nature Play here.

daiga-ellaby-154936.jpg