12th November 2025 Bulletin Eco-Corner

‘Tis the season for giving gifts!
In line with the Jewish principle of Ba’al Tachchit – do not destroy/waste - why not look at sustainable alternatives to wrapping paper this Chanukah and gift-giving season?  There are now lots of options.
 
Many shops offer fabric gift bags, or ones made from recycled materials, which are able to be re-used.  If you have previous gift bags you can remove any tags with names on and re-use these – and old greetings cards can be used to make new gift tags.
If you’re handy with a sewing machine or needle and thread you could make your own fabric drawstring gift bags with some fat quarters (a pre-cut piece of fabric, measuring about 50cm x 55cm)
or some jazzy old clothes that aren’t suitable for donation to charity.  A simple pattern for a drawstring bag can be found here: How to Make a Drawstring Bag ( Easy Sewing Project) - Sew Crafty Me.  You can easily make these in any size for gifts large and small!
 
For some other ideas for sustainable gift-wrapping, here’s a link from Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: 9 Sustainable Alternatives To Wrapping Paper 2025.
 
For my birthday this year, instead of asking for gifts in advance, I had my family take me shopping so no wrapping was required.  But I know some people prefer the element of surprise!
Jennifer Hawkins