Everyone loves to give and receive gifts, but wrapping paper is not environmentally friendly. Americans spend over $2.5 billion dollars every year on wrapping paper. Stop buying non recyclable wrapping paper printed with petroleum based inks and dyes. There are many options for wrapping paper made from recycled paper free of petroleum based inks. Better yet, wrap your gifts in newspaper or use reusable gifts bags.

Greeting cards are another environmental killer. Over 300,000 trees are harvested each year just to make greeting cards. Send an eCard instead, they're free and don't harm the environment. Visit www.hallmark.com to learn more about sending free eCards.

REUSABLE GIFT BAGS

Gift bags are a great way reuse paper and save money. Look for gift bags made from recycled paper, they are cheaper and can be used over and over again. If someone gives you a gift in a gift bag, keep it and use it next time you give someone a gift.

THE FACTS

Americans spend over $2.5 billion dollars every year on wrapping paper