Green alternatives to hideous holiday wrapping paper

Hanukkah starts tonight, Christmas is right around the corner, and chances are that you have some gift wrapping in your future. Instead of adding to the $2.6 billion the wrapping paper industry annually pockets and the trash it produces think about going green this year. There are seven green alternatives that can be a lot more stylish and easier on your budget.

1. Newspapers have long been a wrapping standby for the green-minded or thrifty gift giver. Comics are great for children but a foreign language newspaper is a cool choice for a globe hopping adult. Check to see if they have any free foreign language newspapers during your next trip to the local ethnic market.

2. We’ve told you before about reusing chip bags but they can also have a second life as wrapping paper. Simply split open the bag and wash it well with some soap and water. After it air dries you’ll have bright silver paper to wrap your gift.

3. Have a child in your life? Break out the crayons! Any type of art from a child makes  charming wrapping paper and doubles as instant refrigerator art.

4. Reusable shopping bags have evolved from from downright dowdy to fashionable. Package your food or kitchen related gift in a bonus bag that they’ll certainly use.

5. There’s no need to purchase expensive gift tags that you’ll only use once a year. Repurpose old holiday cards with a pair of scissors and a hole punch. Leave one side with an interesting design and inscribe on the other.

6. If you have to wrap a present take a tip from TV. Growing up I was always shocked that every present on TV had its top wrapped separately from the bottom. This is a great green way to go since the recipient doesn’t tear any paper and can reuse the box next year.

7. Perhaps you loathe wrapping presents so think about non-material gifts. Tickets for concerts, movies, or theater productions are perfect for any age. You could even get your Kindle crazy or Nook obsessed cousin a gift certificate to download the latest bestseller.

If you do find yourself with a pile of wrapping paper after the holidays call your local recycling center. Not all paper can be recycled due to metal adornments or the paper being too thin. If you’re lucky, some cities will accept wrapping paper via curbside pickup.