Gift wrap for the eco-friendly
by omooreaj on Dec.22, 2008, under Personal Finance
Ah, the decorative gift bag — the preferred wrapping technique for the lazy or the tape-impaired.
But blogger “Daphne” at Urban Frugal has a better idea if you’re giving gifts to friends: “Rather than just giving someone a gift bag that they will discard, give them a reusable tote bag or shopping bag.”
After all, decent-sized gift bags cost at least a buck and some retail for as much as , she noted in a post called “Useful wrapping.” Reusable shopping bags can be had for as little as 99 cents.
By wrapping in a reusable bag you’re giving two gifts. What a swell friend you are! You’re also, as Daphne notes, keeping a bunch of wrapping paper from “(ending) up in the garbage a few minutes later.”
These bags are darned handy, too, for carrying things other than groceries: schoolbooks, picnic lunches, sports gear or your “good” shoes on snowy
or stormy days. A friend of ours uses canvas sacks to sort recyclables.
If you’re picking fruit, or gleaning it, a strong bag with handles is
essential. These sturdy sacks are good for storing boxes of Christmas
ornaments, too.
Best of all: No tape required! You can just tie it shut with a ribbon.
Related articles:
DIY: Better ideas for homemade wrapping paper
50 reasons to stop using plastic shopping bags
