Furoshiki: The Art of Fabric Wrapping
Looking to reduce your waste this Christmas? Gift wrapping is a great place to start.
During the Christmas period alone, Australians use enough wrapping paper to cover the worlds equator four times around – that's over 150,000km of gift wrapping paper which is simply thrown away!
Enter Furoshiki - the Japanese art of fabric gift wrapping. Furoshiki originated in 710 B.C. when presents, treasures and important packages were wrapped in fabric to protect and transport them. In 2006 Furoshiki enjoyed a resurgence as the Japanese Minister for the Environment promoted it as a way to reduce waste.
This environmentally-friendly wrapping paper alternative uses a piece of cloth (thick enough to hold the weight of the gift) and different folds to accommodate the objects being gifted or carried.
Any square-shaped piece of fabric can be used to wrap gifts; use a cloth serviette or hem a square cut-off from old table cloth, bed linen or garment. Reversible fabrics offer fabulous contrast in colour for wrapping or use a bandanna, scarf or beeswax wrap which are great gift in addition to the present you are gifting.
Once the gift has been wrapped, add a sprig of rosemary, dried orange slice or a DIY clay or salt dough ornament for a personal touch.
Furoshiki isn't only reserved for gift giving - it can be used to carry bento lunch boxes, wine bottles or create a carry bag so get creative with fabric this festive season.
If you don't have a square piece of fabric handy, tea towels, newspaper, a page from magazine, childrens artwork or paper bags are all excellent eco wrapping paper options and see other suggestions on how to have a more sustainable Christmas.