Go Green:

How to wrap beautiful and environmentally friendly gifts this holiday season.

Reusing or recycling wrapping paper or bows from last year's presents is traditionally frowned upon, but as our culture grows more environmentally conscious, reusing holiday gift wrap is not only allowed, it's encouraged. Here are some great ideas for recycling, while still giving beautifully packaged gifts this year.


Tips:

• Buy paper that is made from recycled content, or make your own paper using recycled materials.
• Instead of buying wrapping paper, decorate gifts creatively with newspaper or other household items.
• Use festive discount fabrics to make gift bags that can be resued for years to come.
• Use the gift itself as wrapping paper - for instance wrap a gift of cookware in colorful tea towels, or present athletic gear in a duffel bag.
• Re-use bows and ribbons. Here's a hint - steam can rejuvenate bows that have been flattened or disfigured in storage. Hold the bow upside down over steam, being careful not to burn yourself - then the bow can be easily reshaped.
• Use cloth ribbon and bows, then save and reuse.
• Reuse gift wrap - you can make it look new again by running a warm iron over it and trimming torn edges. Or, turn old wrinkles into a lovely crinkle effect by crumpling the paper up by hand. Dress up with re-used bows and ribbons.
• Cut your own gift tags out of the wrapping paper.
• Use your shredded office waste to pack gifts in baskets and gift bags.
• Give gift certificates, eliminating the need for gift wrap altogether.
• I love to tie my newspaper-wrapped gifts with hemp twine. I add a twig of fresh greens to create a beautiful present.