I regularly get asked whether we at Madn77 also do special gift wrapping. We understand that with gifting comes gift wrapping and it can really complete a gift, however, we have decided not to do this due to ecological reasons.
Wrapping paper is designed for one-time use, and while some of us may try to reuse it, realistically this may only happen once or twice before it eventually disappears into the trash.
Single-use wrapping paper is problematic in a number of ways. The fibers in cheaper types of paper are not strong enough to be recycled. Wrapping paper is often painted and laminated and may also contain additives that are not made of paper, such as gold and silver dyes, glitter and plastics. And to make all this even worse, it often has sticky tape attached to it.
It should come as no surprise that the demand for wrapping paper increases during the Christmas season. In the United Kingdom in 2018, it was estimated that British people threw away 108 million rolls of wrapping paper after Christmas was over. It is estimated that about 50,000 trees are cut down each year to make enough wrapping paper.
Despite the fact that tearing open wrapping paper is without a doubt one of the most exciting things children and adults look forward to, we don't think it sets a good standard for the entire planet.
That is why we decided to not do gift wrapping, but add a personalized note with each gift sent. We also can send it in our beautiful gift boxes, which are made for reuse.
If you still feel strongly about this and know of an alternative ecological gifting method, we are always open to suggestions.