Christmas has become a time of excess in our consumer society.  And while the consumer society isn’t likely to disappear anytime soon, with the global credit crisis and the planetary crisis that we are facing, it’s worth looking at ways that you can save money and go green.

Here are some alternatives to regular gift wrap that will help you save money, and boost your recycling in the process:

1. Use newspaper as wrapping paper: Use newspaper just as it is, adding some glitz with pretty ribbon or glitter.  Or create art on your newpaper to make it look festive, something like Christmas tree or star potato prints in red, green or gold.

2. Use magazine/catalogue pages as wrapping paper: For smaller gifts, find a magazine page that appeals to you and use that as wrapping.

3. Recycle last year’s wrapping paper: If you had the forethought to save last year’s paper, you can reuse is where possible.

4. Recycle gift bags: Gift bags can be used time and time again.  Never throw them away, they always come in handy.

5. Make the wrapping part of the gift: For re-usable wrapping, take up the Japanese art of Furoshiki.  For centuries, the Japanese have wrapped gifts in cloth, and they have lots of amazing ways to do it.  Find out more here.  Visit your local charity shop to buy scarves to use as wrapping.

And here’s an idea that probably won’t save you money, but it a great eco-friendly option if you want “new” wrapping paper.  Go recycled.  Natural Collection has a nice range of recycled gift wrapping paper and accessories.

Photo credit: c h e e s e roc