Lincoln gift-wrap Guru shares her Boxing Day tips for recycling
From shredding paper to reviving ribbons - Jane Means offers simple, sustainable swaps
As homes across Lincolnshire clear away the aftermath of Christmas morning, local gift-wrapping expert Jane Means is urging families to rethink what they throw out.
The Bracebridge Heath–born professional, whose wrapping skills are sought by royalty, celebrities and global luxury brands, says a greener Christmas starts with small, thoughtful habits - especially on Boxing Day.
“I hate any form of waste," said Jane.
"If you are using a recyclable paper, tear where the tape is, tear those bits off… the rest of it can go into recycling.”
Or it can be reused.
“If you've got a shredder, pop your wrapping paper through the shredder. It makes great shred for future wrapping - things like boxes.”
And instead of throwing away the packaging your gifts arrived in, she suggests transforming it.
“When you're opening a box that you've been given as a gift… crease all the sides, open the end carefully, slide the box out and you can actually use the carcass of the box wrapping to make a gift bag super easily.”
For Means, ribbons are one of the easiest items to reclaim.
“I love to use a fabric ribbon because you can recycle it. Just simply pop it on a low iron or a pair of hair straighteners and your ribbon looks brand new."
Her advice is simple: reuse wherever possible, and rethink what’s considered waste. With a little attention, she says, much of what was used this Christmas morning can be enjoyed again next year - in gift bags, parcel filler, and beautifully revived ribbons.