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Forum Name: Green Living
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Eco-friendly gift wrap ideas? 
Mary Jo Cameron
posted Nov 13, 2008 9:51:33 AMTo All
How do you wrap gifts in eco-friendly ways?

We're looking for ideas from our readers on alternatives to buying wrapping paper made from virgin forests.

Share your suggestions here or post a comment on our article 10 Green Gift Wrap Ideas. Do you use inside-out paper bags, or something clever and brilliant our writers haven't thought of?

We'll share the best idea from our readers in an upcoming issue of our Gaiam Life e-newsletter.
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Eco-friendly gift wrap ideas? 
Luckychien
posted Nov 13, 2008 10:29:14 AMTo All
After one Christmas about 10 years ago, my mom was horrified about the amount of wrapping paper we were throwing away. She made gift bags --  drawstring bags of various sizes with Christmas fabric (bought at the post-holiday sales) and fabric scraps she already had. Some of the bags are nonseasonal so we use them year round. We also repurpose bags and containers such burlap bags from rice, a fabric bag that pjs or sheets came in, etc. for gift bags. We still have some wrapping paper at the end of the holiday but nothing like we used to.

Recently, I gave a foodie friend a wedding gift of three cookbooks -- wrapped up in a colorful patterned nylon (packable) bag; and gift tag made from a page of an old garage sale cookbook, 1,001 Uses for Hamburger (I bought it because it seemed so campy). I had so much fun with it, more than if I had just had the bookstore wrap the gifts.
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Eco-friendly gift wrap ideas? 
soapwood
posted Nov 14, 2008 10:46:36 AMTo All
Like the other poster, we recycle any type of containers and packaging but my main gift wrap is now my youngest son's artwork. He had piles and piles of drawings/paintings/colorings from here at home, we well as from school. Our family and friends love the handmade touch and get to see how his artwork changes over the years. I have to admit too that it keeps me from having 10 boxes of artwork to save every year ;o)
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Eco-friendly gift wrap ideas? 
tash
posted Nov 19, 2008 9:53:15 AMTo All
I put gifts into Christmas tins purchased from second-hand stores and yard sales.
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Eco-friendly gift wrap ideas? 
Caroline Johnson
posted Nov 22, 2008 8:19:00 AMTo All
I use the Sunday comics to wrap a birthday gift and try to use a comic strip that fits that particular person. I also have a closet where I keep all ribbons, paper, and bags, so I never have to buy any new, i just reuse. I like bags better than wrapping paper because they're so easy to reuse.
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Eco-friendly gift wrap ideas? 
Joy Jackson, Life & Wellness Coach
posted Nov 23, 2008 9:54:23 PMTo All
We use reusable shopping bags sold at our local grocery store that are 100% recyclable and made from recycled materials. They even come in very cute designs!
We use these bags all the time. Not only for shopping, but even for toting to the beach, around town, etc. They have slots for bottles, newspapers in addition to a nice flat bottom when it folds out. They make excellent gift bags since they are wonderful green gifts in themselves. Our friends love them!
Joy Jackson, Fitness and Lifestyle Coach
piceanjoy@gmail.com
www.joyjackson.net
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