Every year when the holidays come around most of us start buying the usual stuff – shiny gift wrapping , shiny bows , shiny cards and lots of things that we use once and then throw away. I used to do the same thing. A year later after a big family party I saw our trash can full of torn wrapping paper tape and plastic.It was almost overflowing. That was the moment I thought, Wow, this is only from one night.
Now multiply that by every home in town. That’s a lot of waste.In the U.S., people throw out millions of pounds of gift wrap every holiday season. And here’s the hard part—most wrapping paper is not recyclable because of glitter, plastic coating, and dyes. It ends up in landfills, where it just sits for years. Plastic ribbons, shiny bows, and gift bags also break down slowly and can harm soil and water. So this year, going greener doesn’t just feel nice—it really helps.
Why So Much Holiday Waste?
The biggest holiday waste comes from:
- Wrapping paper with plastic coating
- Plastic bows and ribbons
- Packaging from toys and gifts
- Tape, bubble wrap, and shiny gift bags
Most of these items cannot break down like natural materials. Some plastics take hundreds of years to go away.But here’s the good part: Small swaps can make a big change.
Better Ways to Wrap Gifts
Switching to sustainable wrapping is not hard at all. And honestly, it feels good knowing your gifts look special and help the planet.
Use Reusable or Natural Gift Wrap
Cloth wraps, recycled kraft paper, or simple brown paper tied with cotton string look beautiful. You can even add dried flowers or a small cotton ribbon. No plastic… and no guilt.
Choose Handmade Decorations
Instead of plastic ornaments, choose things that last.
Like the Dekulture Handmade Wool Felt Heart Bauble from Vesey.
It’s soft, handmade, plastic-free, and made to reuse year after year.
Link: https://vesey.shop/product/dekulture-handmade-premium-wool-felt-hanging-heart-bauble/
It feels warm, real, and personal—unlike factory-made décor that gets tossed out fast.
Shop Sustainable Seasonal Picks
Vesey has a full collection of eco-friendly wrap and décor.
You get pretty things that don’t hurt the planet.
Browse here: https://vesey.shop/product-category/eco-friendly-picks/gift-wrap-and-seasonal/
Why Sustainable Wrapping Saves Money
Think about this:
- Most wrapping paper gets used for seconds and then thrown away.
- Reusable cloth wrap lasts years.
- Handmade decorations don’t break easily.
Sustainable wrapping helps you save money, reduce waste, and create naturally beautiful gifts with simple, elegant materials.
Plastic Waste: Why It’s a Big Problem
Holiday waste isn’t only ugly—it’s harmful.
Plastic ribbons, bows, and coated paper:
- break into tiny pieces
- get into soil and water
- harm animals
- never fully go away
Natural items like wool, cotton, paper, and felt return to the earth without causing harm.
That’s why choosing better materials matters.
What Vesey Brings to Your Holidays
Vesey is more than just a store—it’s a San Francisco -based benefit corporation dedicated to sustainability, fair labor, wildlife conservation, and high-quality craftsmanship. From eco-friendly holiday wrapping to bold, standout clothing like the Plague Doctor Shirt or the Flower Print Silk Tuxedo Jacket, Vesey makes it easy to shop with purpose not pressure. Every purchase you make supports better choices for your home, your planet, and your future.
A Greener Holiday Starts With One Small Choice
This season, go simple. Go reusable. Wrap with love, not waste. Give gifts that feel good inside and out. Shop sustainable, meaningful holiday picks at Vesey.shop — where every gift tells a story, and every purchase makes the world a bit brighter.
