The Wrapping Paper Problem

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – How much do you spend on wrapping paper each year? It can get pricey depending on how skilled you are with the scissors and tape, but the bigger problem is where the wrapping paper ends up.

Americans spend more than $2.6 billion annually on gift wrapping. A big part of that is wrapped up in the holiday season, with an estimated 2.3 lbs. of that paper ending up in a landfill.

While our market here in The Bahamas is significantly smaller, we are still contributing to the wrapping paper problem.

So, here are some tips to help make your holiday season a little greener and a lot more sustainable.

1. When packaging your Christmas presents, consider trading festive wrapping for recycled paper, or a cloth alternative. You can even forego the packaging completely.

• Another way to go green is to cut the Christmas lights – that is, the amount of time you have them switched on. You can also consider using solar lights outside. And of course, look for LED lights to bring your Christmas tree to life.

• Speaking of trees, while living trees have that real pine scent, they are discarded just days after Christmas. If opting for a plastic or reusable tree, make sure you buy one you can use year over year.

• If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, you may want to shop local this holiday season, so you’re not contributing to carbon emissions.

• And finally, think quality, not quantity. The world wildlife foundation recommends putting in time to pick a quality gift that will last a long time, to reduce waste and the chances of having to re-purchase down the line.

Every small step makes a difference to a more sustainable life.