Tip of the Day – Start Saving Paper Bags and Boxes
Posted on October 15, 2007 by
Who needs wrapping paper?
Wrapping paper is one of my pet peeves. It just seems silly to me to waste money and resources on something that’s just going to be torn off and thrown away.
Start saving paper and boxes now for the holidays. Collect paper bags, newspapers, tissue paper, packing materials and any boxes that are sturdy enough to hold gifts. When we get closer to the holidays we’ll talk about ways to make festive recycled gift-wrap.
And take a pass on buying gift wrap. It’s usually printed on virgin paper and is often not recyclable. Even at 2 for 1, or 75% off, the cost is just too great.
I ALWAYS use my brown paper bags (that have been reused over and over) as wrapping paper and decorate it if I feel the need with stars or stickers or whatever. I also save the fanciest handle bags, that I obtain through my indulgent shopping sprees, for gift-giving. People seem to think better of me for doing this and I feel better about myself. Wrapping paper is among my pet peeves as well.
Good for you! On top of saving resources, paper bags can look just as festive and show that personal touch. Hopefully, your recycled gift wrap inspires other people to do the same.
I like to take paper bags, scrunch them up (adding a little water helps.) Then, lay them flat and let them dry. Then, take a dry paintbrush, and touch up the wrinkles with a light brush of paint, and it makes a very pretty wrapping paper.
Wow! That’s such a cool idea!
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