The holiday season is synonymous with joy, celebration, quality time with loved ones … and, often, an abundance of waste. Womp, womp, womp.
From gift wrapping to decorations, the environmental impact of these festivities can be significant. However, it's possible to indulge in the holiday spirit while still being kind to the planet. One simple, yet effective way to do this is by using eco-friendly Kraft paper.
In this blog, we'll explore how Kraft paper can transform your holiday celebrations into a more sustainable experience.
How wasteful are the holidays?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the volume of household waste in the United States increases by 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, equating to about one million extra tons of trash each year. This surge in waste is attributed to various factors, including disposable decorations, gift wrapping materials and the discarding of old items to make way for new gifts.
The most common holiday items, like traditional wrapping paper and plastic decorations, are not only unsustainable but often end up in landfills, contributing to environmental pollution. Moreover, the production of these materials consumes natural resources and energy, exacerbating their environmental footprint.
Full confession: we're invested in Kraft paper!
At Happsy, our commitment to sustainability is always growing, especially when it comes to our certified organic mattresses and their packaging. That’s why we're especially excited about our latest eco-friendly endeavor: the kraft paper roll-packing machine!
This innovative machine enables us to wrap our Happsy organic mattresses in uncoated, fully recyclable kraft paper. This significant shift allows us – and by extension, YOU, our customers – to play a crucial role in preventing thousands of pounds of single-use plastic packaging from polluting landfills each year. It also means if you purchase a Happsy, you’ll have lots of Kraft paper on hand for some festive fun!
Oh, and by the way, we also use environmentally friendlier inks, recycled cardboard, recycled and FSC® certified paper, and local printers to keep our packaging as green as possible. We know that every little bit counts when it comes to sustaunability!
5 Kraft paper ideas for a greener holiday
Okay, but what should you do with your kraft paper once you’ve unwrapped your Happsy organic mattress? ‘Tis the season to be thrifty! By incorporating Kraft paper into your holiday routine, you're not only reducing waste, but also adding a unique and personal touch to your festivities.
1. Eco-friendlier gift wrapping
Kraft paper is an excellent alternative to traditional wrapping paper, which is often coated in plastic and difficult to recycle. You can use brown Kraft wrapping paper and then adorn your gifts with natural elements like twine, sprigs of evergreen or dried citrus slices for a stylish, minimal touch.
2. Advent/countdown calendars
Instead of buying plastic-filled advent calendars, craft your own with Kraft paper. You can make small pouches or boxes, fill them with treats or small gifts, and number them for each day leading up to the holiday.
3. Nostalgic holiday decorations
Create your own holiday decorations using brown Kraft paper. From stars and garlands to festive shapes like evergreen trees or reindeer, these can be painted (with non-toxic paints of course!) or left plain for a classic, nostalgic look.
4. Table settings
Kraft paper can be used to create recyclable and compostable table runners and placemats. These can be customized with hand-drawn holiday motifs or messages, adding a unique and personal touch to your holiday meals – and a touch of fun for your guests!
5. Eco-friendly party favors
Create small gift bags or envelopes using Kraft paper for party favors. Fill them with homemade goodies, seeds for planting or small handcrafted items as a sustainable token of appreciation for your guests.
Extra holiday hacks that help the planet
In addition to repurposing your Kraft paper, here are some eco-friendly hacks to make the holidays more eco-friendly:
- LED Lights: Opt for energy-efficient LED lights for your holiday decorations. They use less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs.
- Reusable or Natural Decor: Use decorations that can be reused each year, or opt for natural decor like pinecones, branches and fresh flowers that can be composted after the holidays.
- Mindful Gifting: Consider gifting experiences or digital subscriptions instead of physical items to reduce waste. If you do give physical gifts, focus on quality and sustainability.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: When shopping online, look for companies that use minimal and recyclable packaging (like Happsy!).
- Recycle and Compost: Be diligent about recycling and composting during the holidays. This includes properly disposing of Kraft paper and other recyclable or compostable material.
Embracing eco-friendly practices during the holiday season is a meaningful way to celebrate while respecting our planet. Remember, every small step towards sustainability counts, and together, we can make a significant impact. Let's make this holiday season not just merry and bright, but also green and sustainable.
