Reuse Refuse

Do you find yourself stuck with a bunch of wrapping paper after the holidays. It’s painful to just watch it go in the trash, isn’t it? What a waste! There are some ways to both reduce your wrapping paper use, and also reuse it again when you’re done. This way, you’re being eco-friendly, and you’re saving money.

1. Use gift bags instead of paper: Just using gift bags in place of wrapping paper on a few presents can significantly lower your paper use. Plus they’re easy to reuse again.

2. Open Gifts Carefully: Try not to rip gifts open so that the paper is completely destroyed. This way you can use the paper again. This can be especially difficult when you have young children in your family. The excitement is often too overwhelming to open a gift slowly. Try to pace yourself though!

3. Newspaper: It may sound bad, but using newspaper as wrapping paper is not a bad thing. Although, there are some people that would probably frown on it. For example, you wouldn’t want to give your spouse jewelry wrapped up in the funny pages. However, she probably wouldn’t expect to find a necklace wrapped up in there so it may work out nicely! Use newspaper for smaller gifts or presents for friends.

4. Stacking: If possible, bundle gifts that are similar or related in one wrapping or bag. This way you save materials. If the gifts are for Christmas, remember that smaller presents are perfect for stocking stuffers.

Just by following these simple techniques, you can save money and keep that paper out of a landfill. These tips work great for any holiday, birthday or special occasion. Any other ideas for saving holiday refuse?

Kai Dadian