The Toronto Green Community’s Eco-Gift Wrapping program provides an environmentally-friendly alternative to today’s conventional gift-wrapping which is beautiful, original and kind to the planet. Through the program, TGC raises awareness about and encourages ways to reduce the substantial waste produced during the holiday season. In addition to being a public education campaign, this program acts as an important fundraiser for TGC. Our EGW program provides a fun and fulfilling volunteer opportunity for hundreds of people!

TGC’s Eco-Gift Wrapping program takes place from late November until December 24th in various retail locations. Shoppers are provided with a choice between 100% recycled kraft paper or colourful posters that have been donated by various arts and community organizations. In place of tape we secure the wrap with colourful paper raffia (ribbon), and then add decorative touches with sprigs of dogwood or cedar, pine cones, and even origami creations. All wrapping and decorative items are either from recycled sources, are recyclable, or are re-purposed.

We have had a great deal of experience running this program.  We started in 2002 at Mountain Equipment Co-op, and in recent years expanded to the Yonge Eglinton Centre and Dufferin Mall.

The response to our program is extremely positive as people praise the originality of the packages, as well as the environmental benefits of the program. Our volunteers act as ambassadors for TGC helping to educate and provide this unique service to the public.

For more information about our Eco-Gift Wrapping program, or if you would like to volunteer with us, please email us at ecowrap (at) torontogreen.ca. (yearly from October - December)