How's this for a holiday bulge? Landfills absorb an additional 1 million tons of waste every year during the holidays, Thanksgiving through New Years (up 25% from any other time of year). And unlike us, a landfill can't jump on a treadmill to work off some of those pounds. Once it's there, it's harder to get rid of than those love handles from too many Christmas cookies. So let's make an early holiday season resolution to think ahead about how we're going to prevent some of these unnecessary pounds. It takes a lot of used wrapping paper to make 1 million TONS.
*Wrapping paper is usually not toxic. And while you could iron and re-use it (my grandmother does!), you could also simply bag it up and recycle it just as you would newspapers. BUT, metallic wrapping paper and curling ribbon shouldn't be included in your recycling stash.
*Consider using butcher paper, brown paper bags, newspapers, fabric, or any other unique material. Seriously, even if it's not the most beautiful gift covering, wouldn't you feel supremely special that someone spent that time and attention on a gift for you?
*For that matter, why not have the kids in your life color some pictures to use as wrapping paper?
*Don't forget that tissue paper can be just as problematic and wasteful as the actual wrapping paper.
*That paper tube that the wrapping paper comes on is also recyclable.
*Don't forget to re-use those bows and ribbons; why throw them away?
*Some groups/organizations sell recycled-content wrapping paper for fundraisers. That's not a bad idea.
*Gift cards--everyone loves them (yes, please!) and besides the card itself and maybe an envelope that it comes in (both of which are generally recyclable), where's the packaging? Unless you wrap the wrapped gift card...
*Baskets and other containers can often make personal and eye catching gift bags as well.
Yeah, these ideas take some time and thought, but that's what meaningful holidays are all about!
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