Add new comment

This year, your holiday doesn’t have to end with bags and bags filled with crumpled wrapping paper. If a gift swap is part of your holiday traditions, check out our tips below for choosing and wrapping presents that won’t pollute! Click here if you missed blog 1: Zero Waste Holiday Parties and Decorations of the three-part Guide to a Greener Holiday series.

Gifts

• Fill reusable jars with tasty homemade treats like jam or trail mix, or make your own salves and creams such as sugar scrubs or lip balms.
• Give experiences (tickets to a concert, cooking class, sporting event, annual memberships to national/state parks, etc.).
• Donate to charity.
• Choose rechargeable batteries or gifts that require no batteries at all.
• Purchased refurbished electronics.
• Shop locally.

Wrapping

• Folded cloth makes great, reusable wrapping paper! 
• Scarves, t-shirts, purses, and other accessories can be used for wrapping and an additional gift.
• Use old posters, maps, or blue prints to wrap your gifts. The paper (but not the tape) can likely be recycled even after the gift is opened.
• Use newspaper as padding instead of foam or bubble wrap. 
• Reuse old gift bags or reusable shopping bags.
   

We have one last blog to share. Tune in on Monday to green your holiday travel plans!