When I set up Bright Stem I had two things in mind. Firstly to create a vibrant creative space where new ideas, artwork and products could be developed and secondly to do this in a sustainable way.
So when it came to creating wrapping paper to sell on brightstemshop.com I knew it had to be colourful, vibrant and sustainable. At that time (way back in 2013) when Bright Stem wrapping paper was first launched the only sustainable option seemed to be brown craft paper as it's fully recyclable but it’s also a bit dull. I thought if you're going to take the time to wrap a present for a loved one, you're going to want the paper to say that! You want the paper to be bouncing with beautiful colours and shapes. Patterns that dazzle and delight. I felt pretty adamant that being sustainable shouldn't mean being dull.
Since then Bright Stem's multipacks of wrapping paper have become one of my most popular products and I am regularly told 'it's just not Christmas without Bright Stem wrapping paper'. Which is always lovely to hear. Over the last few years I've also received more and more questions about the recyclable wrapping paper. As awareness has grown around sustainability people are asking questions like 'what is the wrapping paper made from?' or 'what happens to it after we've opened all our presents' and 'what is a circular economy?' So I thought it might be helpful if I wrote a short blog where I try to answer some of these questions.
The Art of Sustainability
Q: Can sustainable products really be colourful and artistic?
A: I believe that sustainability and creativity go hand in hand. I'm a pint half full kinda guy. Which means when change is needed I focus on the positive outcomes that could bring, not the negatives. So I see the times we live in now as full of posibilities. As we reconsider our lifestyles to minimize our negative impact on the planet, our combined creativity will play a crucial role in this transition. So Artists and Designers have a key role to play showing how things can be done differently. Thereby inspiring people to want that change. And thats what I've tried to do with Bright Stem wrapping paper.
Why Bright Stem Recyclable Wrapping Paper?
Q: Why should people buy bright stem recyclable wrapping paper?
A: By opting for bright stem recyclable wrapping paper, you are making a conscious choice to support the environment while adding a pop of colour to your gift-giving experience. Its an eco-friendly alternative that allows you to wrap your gifts in style without compromising on quality or nature's well-being. You are also supporting a small business run by the Artist and Designer.
Benefits to the Environment
Q: What are the benefits to the environment?
A: The benefits are abundant! Bright Stem recyclable wrapping paper is crafted from sustainable materials, the paper, tags and packaging are all made form recycled paper and the inks used are made from vegetables reducing the demand for traditional, environmentally harmful options. By choosing this eco-friendly alternative, you actively participate in minimising waste and conserving natural resources, promoting a healthier planet for future generations.
Questions about Recycling.
Q: How do you know if wrapping paper is recyclable?
A: The easiest way is the scrunch test. Just scrunch the paper up in your hand if it all flops back out again then it has plastic in but if it keeps its form then you know its just made of paper. As a side note this characteristic is also why recyclable wrapping paper can be used for crafts as it keeps its form when folded.
Q: How is bright stem wrapping paper recycled? And why aren't other traditional types of wrapping paper recyclable?
A: A good question basically its mulched (or mushed up) then re-formed into new paper products. Which is why many types of traditional wrapping paper which are a mix of plastic and paper aren't recyclable. The plastic can't be separated from the paper and therefore it has to go into landfill. So by using recyclable wrapping paper your creating what is known as a circular economy.
Q: Can I recycle bright stem wrapping paper if it has sticky tape still attached?
A: If recyclable wrapping paper has plastic sticky tape attached you'll need to remove that first but if you use paper tape then it can all go straight in the recycling bin. I've made a how to video on You Tube showing how to wrap your presents with paper tape which might be of use: How to wrap a gift so it looks smart and can be recycled or reused
Understanding a Circular Economy
Q: What is a circular economy?
A: A circular economy is a regenerative approach to resource management, aiming to keep products and materials in use for as long as possible. By embracing the principles of a circular economy, such as recycling and reusing materials, we can minimise waste and create a sustainable system where resources are used efficiently and responsibly. So your wrapping paper could be re used to make tissues, egg cartons, magazines or even be turned back into wrapping paper. theres a good article on hunker that will give you a better idea of all the diffrent products made from recycled paper: https://www.hunker.com/12281742/what-products-are-made-from-recycled-paper
Closing Thoughts
In a world where every choice we make has an impact, opting for bright stem recyclable wrapping paper is a small yet significant step towards a more sustainable future. Every small action counts, and choosing eco-friendly options for gift wrapping is a simple yet impactful way to make a difference. Let's embrace the beauty of eco-friendly gifting and wrap our presents with care for both our loved ones and the planet. Together, we can create a colourful, artistic, and eco-conscious world.
If anyone has any questions that haven't been covered please leave a comment and I'll do my best to answer. We're all on a continual learning curve but hopefully this post will have covered the basics.
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