Offer your loved ones the gift of a cleaner planet this Christmas

Not all that glitters is gold. This proverb fits perfectly with modern Christmas and the reality that caring for our nearest and dearest is just as important as caring for the planet. At this special time, you can offer something truly invaluable as a gift: a cleaner planet. How can you do that? We have some hints.

Nice, but not very green

Gift wrapping is a very enjoyable activity for many people. And the recipients are happy with the gifts, of which someone took great care in terms of aesthetic packaging.

After all, would the gift look so good if it wasn't wrapped? Would it make the same impression, evoke the same emotions? After all, even the enthusiastic, joyful tearing of the golden, shiny paper while being surrounded by our loved ones, in a way builds the atmosphere of Christmas. But does it really?

Without a doubt, a beautifully wrapped gift is a value in itself. However, "beauty" does not have to be synonymous with waste. And sadly, very often Christmas packaging is just that: a wasted resource.

Data indicates that on the British Isles alone, the entire Hyde Park in London could be lined with multicoloured paper (which is not recycled). And not with just one layer, but four (!)¹.

Let's seek alternatives

It's not always about giving something up completely. Sometimes all you need to do is simply find another, less harmful alternative.

Therefore, if possible, choose single-material rather than multi-material packaging. Nowadays, even in large shops you can buy plain grey wrapping paper instead of the standard glossy one.

The same holds true for ribbons. Why choose artificial ones, usually disposable, when there are those made of durable textile fabric, which can be used for another purpose in the future? The most organic choice would be a ribbon or linen band. It is more eco than cotton.

Instead of colourful ribbons, you can also opt for a plain hemp twine. It's less harmful, and besides, it fits in with today's eco, boho packaging design. As you can see, even if you pay attention to the aesthetic aspect, the more environmentally friendly alternatives don't necessarily ruin it at all, but actually enhance it. The key in aesthetics is consistency of style: if we go for a frayed hemp string, we should also pick grey paper, a cardboard box instead of a plastic gift bag and paper adhesive tape.

Avoid excess

While many people indulge themselves more at Christmas (in terms of spending, decorating etc), this doesn't necessarily translate into an approach to gift packaging.

If you want to be more eco-friendly, avoid unnecessary excess. If something can be wrapped in one type of packaging, it's worth going down that road. Why another plastic star bow, bag, extra coated cardboard box or glitter confetti?

The moment of unwrapping is certainly very significant, but consider it in a pragmatic way: it only takes a few seconds. And just a quarter of an hour later, the recipient will not remember the colourful angels and shiny reindeer. What will be left? Waste, with which our planet will have to deal not only at Christmas.

Remember to segregate your waste, also at Christmas

The correct separation of waste is a very important habit that needs to be implemented throughout the year. Also, and above all, during the festive season, when there is more waste than usual.

So, when wrapping gifts, remember to avoid materials that cannot be put in the blue, green or yellow rubbish bin.

Example? The classic film adhesive tape. Even if the wrapping paper itself is recyclable, wrapping paper covered with tape on all sides is not. It cannot be disposed of anywhere but into mixed waste. Bear this in mind.

Another example is glossy paper covered with extra plastic, which is also not recyclable. Therefore, it should not be put in the blue bin.

Let's think about wastage, and not just at Christmas

In December, the world produces at least 20% more rubbish than in the other months of the year². Christmas consumerism is another phenomenon that has a negative impact on the condition of our planet.

So it is good to look for other, better options, even at times when we usually indulge ourselves. Because responsibility and care are worth implementing all year round. At SILBO, these are the principles that guide us on our business path. Every day we provide you with packaging that is a more eco- friendly solution. We hope that you also choose it in the upcoming months and years to come.

We wish all Planet Silbo readers a delightful and, above all, environmentally conscious Christmas!

Wszystkim czytelnikom Planet Silbo życzymy pięknych i przede wszystkim świadomych środowiskowo Świąt!

¹ https://pytanienasniadanie.tvp.pl/51463322/ekologiczne-opakowania-prezentow

² https://pytanienasniadanie.tvp.pl/51463322/ekologiczne-opakowania-prezentow