The Holidays are here, the most wonderful time of the year. Shopping, decorating, baking, and checking your lists twice. So much to do, so much anticipation.
But before you think about wrapping the gifts, consider this. Not all wrapping papers and gift bags are recyclable.
The City of Omaha recently started a new garbage and recycling, and program coordinators and conservationists are optimistic this will lead to a renewed enthusiasm for recycling. The extra-large, wheeled carts make recycling easy and convenient.
In the flurry of gift-giving and unwrapping, you may think all wrapping paper can be recycled together. But that is not the case. Just because they are paper doesn’t mean they can go in the recycling bin.
Wrapping paper that is metallic, glittery or textured is not only recyclable, adding it to a bin of recyclables can contaminate the entire bin.
If you’d like to do your part to Go Green and recycle this holiday season, here are a few tips to consider for your gift wrapping.
- Look for wrapping paper that is made of recycled paper. Not only is this type of paper recyclable, using recycled materials prevents them from ending up in a landfill.
- Do not include wrapping paper that is metallic, glittery or velvety. These need to be separated from paper and thrown in the trash, or saved to be used again.
- Ribbon, bows and glittery cards are not recyclable. These should be separated and discarded into the garbage, or saved to be used again next year.
- Crush recyclable wrapping paper into a ball – it’s more likely to be recycled.
- When you shop for wrapping paper, opt for those made of recycled papers and avoid recyclable papers.
- Consider reusing papers and gift bags from previous years, and save salvageable gift wrap as you unwrap gifts this season.
- When you are wrapping, using only enough paper to cover the gift, minimizing scraps and excess that are discarded.
This season, remember one of the best gifts we can all give is the gift of conservation. Wishing you and yours the very best of the season!
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