It’s a wrap…

Each year for the Holidays many of us scurry out to buy gifts and wrapping paper to hide them in without ever thinking of where that paper goes after we rip into them.  Well, this year is a great time to change that.  This is just another area of our lives that can be “greener” and it’s super easy to make that change!  If you have wrapping paper or tissue paper from last year, use that before you buy more.  If you have to buy wrapping paper, make sure that it’s made from recycled content.  This way you can recycle it again.  Avoid buying metallic or foil wrapping paper because that cannot be recycled.

After you rip into the gifts on Christmas morning, be sure not to wad the wrapping into a ball, lay it flat to keep it in tact and use it for some of the following:
1.  To wrap gifts next year or depending on the design, you can wrap gifts all year around
2.  Cut paper into 6 inch squares for origami {http://socyberty.com/holidays/10-ways-to-recycle-christmas-wrapping-paper/}
3.  Cut into small pieces and place by the phone to write messages or shopping lists on the white side {http://socyberty.com/holidays/10-ways-to-recycle-christmas-wrapping-paper/}

Also, save all of those greeting cards and bows too and either recycle them in your bin, or be creative and reuse them for next year!  You can also wrap gifts in other ways to be more green and creative.  For example, if your buying tools for someone, wrap them in a toolbox.  Or, use fabric scraps and ribbon to wrap a gift for that crafter in your life.  The possibilities are endless.  Visit this site for these and other great ways to wrap gifts this year!

There are many other ideas on how to reuse wrapping paper and greeting cards out there, so Google away!  In the meantime, check out these sites to get you started on the right path to a “greener” life!
1. www.inhabitots.com – Recycle and Reuse Your Wrapping Paper
2. www.ocrra.org – Holiday Recycling (Green gift ideas and green gift wrap ideas too!)
3.  www.socyberty.com – 10 Ways to Recycle Christmas Wrapping Paper