Care for Creation
November 26, 2023
Wrapping with Love
We show love for family, friends and others during Christmastime when we share gifts with them. Let’s include the earth and all other creatures in these expressions of love.
There are many ways to care for one another, but let’s look at how we prepare the gifts we exchange or donate. Decorative packages festooned with bright paper and shiny ribbon are a traditional part of celebrating. As we strive to become more conscious of our role in relationship to caring for all of creation, we ask ‘How is what I am doing impacting the earth and its inhabitants, now and in the future?’ And ‘What happens to this ribbon, this string, this wrapping paper, this packaging material once it’s use is over?’
Most wrapping paper and ribbon is neither compostable nor recyclable; most is manufactured in plants in other countries, emitting greenhouse gases as well as emissions from global transportation; after the gifts are opened, close to 4 million pounds of wrappings take space in U.S. landfills, adding to methane production and microplastic pollution. Many papers and ribbon use plastic and metallic elements that are not recyclable or compostable. Happily, a bit of internet research shows that there are sustainable solutions available.
Some of the ideas include:
Let’s be conscious consumers and change our approach this holiday season. Spend a few minutes surfing the internet to learn and locate sustainable solutions to festive gift wrap. In addition to learning new ways to care for one another and the earth, we will also spread the word about caring for creation.
N.B. Specific products and sites, are not endorsed and therefore not named. Suggested search terms are compostable wrapping paper, eco-friendly wrapping paper, compostable ribbon, etc.
November 26, 2023
Wrapping with Love
We show love for family, friends and others during Christmastime when we share gifts with them. Let’s include the earth and all other creatures in these expressions of love.
There are many ways to care for one another, but let’s look at how we prepare the gifts we exchange or donate. Decorative packages festooned with bright paper and shiny ribbon are a traditional part of celebrating. As we strive to become more conscious of our role in relationship to caring for all of creation, we ask ‘How is what I am doing impacting the earth and its inhabitants, now and in the future?’ And ‘What happens to this ribbon, this string, this wrapping paper, this packaging material once it’s use is over?’
Most wrapping paper and ribbon is neither compostable nor recyclable; most is manufactured in plants in other countries, emitting greenhouse gases as well as emissions from global transportation; after the gifts are opened, close to 4 million pounds of wrappings take space in U.S. landfills, adding to methane production and microplastic pollution. Many papers and ribbon use plastic and metallic elements that are not recyclable or compostable. Happily, a bit of internet research shows that there are sustainable solutions available.
Some of the ideas include:
- Colorful wrapping paper made from newsprint, fully compostable and recyclable,
- Paper ribbon that is compostable and recyclable,
- Biodegradable cotton ribbon, grown and dyed in the U.S, and manufactured in Wisconsin,
- Compostable tissue paper,
- Compostable and recyclable washi tape for fastening packages,
- “Real” Cellophane, made from compostable cellulose.
Let’s be conscious consumers and change our approach this holiday season. Spend a few minutes surfing the internet to learn and locate sustainable solutions to festive gift wrap. In addition to learning new ways to care for one another and the earth, we will also spread the word about caring for creation.
N.B. Specific products and sites, are not endorsed and therefore not named. Suggested search terms are compostable wrapping paper, eco-friendly wrapping paper, compostable ribbon, etc.