holiday tips

Holiday Tips

$aving Time & Money During the Holiday $eason...

If you didn't save wrapping paper, gift bags, ribbons, etc. from last year, plan now to do so. The reusable items you collect from this holiday season will save you money next season.

Here are some helpful tips that can reduce the amount of trash you have to take out, reduces waste going to area landfills, and that can help you save not only time but money, too!

Sending electronic greeting cards instead of traditional cards saves trees, money and landfill space!
Cut the fronts off of greeting cards you receive to use as gift tags next year. Or decorate a plain gift bag by gluing the front of a greeting card to the front of the gift bag.

Tissue used to cradle gifts or line boxes and gift bags can be used several times.
Use old newspapers to cushion gifts that need to be shipped. Or reuse package materials (boxes, bubble wrap, foam "peanuts", etc.) from shipments you have received. Visit area businesses that may have excesses of these materials and offer to take them out off their hands to use in your holiday packaging. This reduces their disposal costs!
Gift boxes can be nested and easily stored for reuse.
Save wrapping paper that didn't get damaged in the holiday frenzy. Even large pieces with wrinkles or tape can be salvaged to wrap smaller gifts.
Gift bags are the ultimate in recycling---you can start a tradition with a friend that you will exchange gifts using the same gift bag each year.
Ribbons of all sorts can be saved and stored, to be used on packages again next year. Ditto with pre-made bows.

Nest holiday tins and store to use to share next year's holiday treats.
Bake holiday cookies and other goodies on top of aluminum foil. Not only does this cut out clean up time, the aluminum can also be recycled in many recycling programs.