Phase out non-recyclable wrapping paper and cards

Recent signers:
Analía Caiazza and 12 others have signed recently.

The Issue

The holiday season, birthdays, and other special occasions are synonymous with gift-giving and festivities, often leaving us with a trail of wrapping paper and greeting cards. Yet, the environmental impact of these celebratory staples is often overlooked. It's estimated that each year, in the UK alone, approximately 227,000 miles of wrapping paper is discarded, contributing significantly to landfill waste. Moreover, many of these papers and cards are coated with metal, plastic, or glitter, rendering them non-recyclable and hence, more detrimental to the environment.

The issue extends beyond the UK. Globally, millions of tons of paper waste are produced every year during holiday seasons, leading to increased deforestation, energy consumption, and pollution. It is our responsibility to address this environmental challenge by advocating for sustainable alternatives that reduce waste and protect our planet.

The solution lies in phasing out all wrapping paper and cards that aren't fully recyclable. By encouraging manufacturers and retailers to produce eco-friendly options, we can ensure that every aspect of our celebratory events is aligned with environmental sustainability. This change can be achieved by:

1. Promoting the use of recyclable and biodegradable materials for wrapping paper and cards.
2. Encouraging retailers to stock and educate consumers on sustainable gift-wrapping options.
3. Supporting legislation that sets mandatory recycling standards for all paper and card products.

By taking these steps, we not only reduce waste and pollution but also instill a culture of environmental responsibility among consumers and producers.

Join us in making this change possible. Sign this petition to urge manufacturers, retailers, and policymakers to commit to sustainable wrapping solutions. Your signature is a step towards a healthier planet and a brighter future for all. Let's wrap our gifts, and our hearts, in sustainability. Sign today!

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Recent signers:
Analía Caiazza and 12 others have signed recently.

The Issue

The holiday season, birthdays, and other special occasions are synonymous with gift-giving and festivities, often leaving us with a trail of wrapping paper and greeting cards. Yet, the environmental impact of these celebratory staples is often overlooked. It's estimated that each year, in the UK alone, approximately 227,000 miles of wrapping paper is discarded, contributing significantly to landfill waste. Moreover, many of these papers and cards are coated with metal, plastic, or glitter, rendering them non-recyclable and hence, more detrimental to the environment.

The issue extends beyond the UK. Globally, millions of tons of paper waste are produced every year during holiday seasons, leading to increased deforestation, energy consumption, and pollution. It is our responsibility to address this environmental challenge by advocating for sustainable alternatives that reduce waste and protect our planet.

The solution lies in phasing out all wrapping paper and cards that aren't fully recyclable. By encouraging manufacturers and retailers to produce eco-friendly options, we can ensure that every aspect of our celebratory events is aligned with environmental sustainability. This change can be achieved by:

1. Promoting the use of recyclable and biodegradable materials for wrapping paper and cards.
2. Encouraging retailers to stock and educate consumers on sustainable gift-wrapping options.
3. Supporting legislation that sets mandatory recycling standards for all paper and card products.

By taking these steps, we not only reduce waste and pollution but also instill a culture of environmental responsibility among consumers and producers.

Join us in making this change possible. Sign this petition to urge manufacturers, retailers, and policymakers to commit to sustainable wrapping solutions. Your signature is a step towards a healthier planet and a brighter future for all. Let's wrap our gifts, and our hearts, in sustainability. Sign today!

The Decision Makers

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) - UK
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) - UK

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Petition created on 18 April 2026