How to Recycle Wrapping Paper

Wrapping paper is a fun way to give a gift, but did you know that this fancy paper can be recycled? Recycling it is the best solution for both saving money and the environment. There are some subtle ways of doing it, and there are loud ways if you want to get the word out about what you believe in. Here are some tips on how to recycle your wrapping paper for all occasions.

Things You'll Need

• Old wrapping paper
• Scissors
• Transparent tape

Instructions

1. It starts when you are given a present. Beautifully and extravagantly wrapped, most people take no longer than a few seconds to appreciate the beauty of a wrapped package. A scene from the movie "Splash" comes to mind. The mermaid just out of the sea is so excited by the beauty of a wrapped present that she does not realize the need to open it at all. Most simply tear into the package. You can take the moments to appreciate the wrapped gift and then excuse yourself for scissors. By carefully opening the present by cutting tape around the edges, you are being subtle about your plans for recycling the paper. It should be folded and set aside as soon as possible.

2. After taking the moments to express gratitude and savor the gift, opening the box of a present when appropriate, carefully fold the wrapping paper and put it aside. If people offer to help toss out the paper, let them know you've got it under control. If you don't want to let others know your plans for the paper, let them know you will take care of it later. If you want it to be known, make a humorous remark about your designs on the gorgeous paper. Then turn the attention once again to your gratitude for the gift.

3. Grab any ribbons off the paper, and put them in a separate place for recycling. These are especially easy to recycle as they easily can be fixed on a new present with a little tape or glue.

4. You can set aside a cabinet or folder for recycled wrapping papers of all occasions. Recycling the wrapping paper is useless if you can't find it when you need it. Organization is key. Some paper will work well for all times, and others are obviously only for Christmas or a birthday. Don't be afraid to take two papers together for a unique wrapping look if you come up short.

5. Recycling other things into wrapping paper can be very fun and unusual, as well as much appreciated by a guest as traditional paper. Know your receiver to judge if that is something that will work well for them. Don't do it for formal affairs like a wedding unless you're sure of the reception it will get. Piecing together gorgeous pictures from magazines. You can draw on old paper grocery bags for a unique present, or have a child do this for presents to a classmate or relative. Using stamps and stickers and old pictures can make this pretty and unique.

6. You can get the word out about recycling wrapping paper as a gift to your personal budget and the landfills we all must deal with. Join forces with your local environmental group, or write letters to local magazines and papers to be put in them "speak out" sections. Raising awareness will be as effective as doing your personal part.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a joke or game out of your recycling ways. People will laugh with you.

• Give others the tip about recycling wrapping paper. It will be appreciated.

• Keep this kind of project fun and upbeat. It's not meant to be taken seriously.

• Don't let recycling paper take away from being in the moment when accepting and giving gifts.

• Remember to heartily thank the person giving you the gift, and do not take the moment to focus on recycling.

• Don't take yourself too seriously. Even the most saintly environmentalist cannot be a hundred percent faithful to green living.

• Be careful not to recycle the wrapping paper back to the same person who gave it.