A Guide to Wrapping Gifts Green

This year many people are trying to be more earth conscious but one major problem that many come up against during the holidays is how to wrap gifts in an eco-friendly manner.

According to Gift Bags Gone Green every year Americans spend more than $5 billion dollars on gift wrap, bags, and tissue paper- and the majority of that ends up in landfills.

If you want to be eco-friendly you definitely don't want to contribute to that huge pile of gift wrap that ends up in landfills. So what do you do?

Get Creative and Go DIY with Your Green Wrappings

One way to wrap presents greenly is to do reuse what you already have.

If you don’t want to spend a lot of green wrapping you can make use of unique items you have around your home that can be transformed into fun holiday wrapping paper, such as the comic section of newspapers, colorful and unique pages from magazines, old maps or paper you make yourself.

Brown or white package paper can be completely transformed with stamps, paint, markers, stickers or anything else you may have laying around the house. Have the kids use finger paint and stamp their little hand prints on the paper. Grandparents are sure to love such heartfelt wrappings.

Plain cardboard boxes and paper bags can also easily be transformed into fun gift bags and boxes with markers, paint, crayons or whatever art supplies you have.

Another great way to integrate green into your gift wrap is to make the present part of the package by wrapping one gift with another gift.

Are you giving a blanket as a gift? Put another present inside the blanket, and use the blanket as the wrapping. Tie it with a ribbon, and you are all set. Roll up sweaters, and stick items like socks and underwear inside. Tie gifts up with curtain tiebacks, shoelaces or hair ribbons. That way everything is part of the gift, gets used, and does not get thrown away.

If you are handy with a needle and thread you could make your own reusable cloth gift bags to wrap up your green gifts with any fabric you have on hand, even old t-shirts and blue jeans would make fabulous fabric gift bags.

Reusable Fabric Gift Bags

If you don’t have time to sew your own bags or maybe you just don’t sew you could consider purchasing pre-made fabric gift bags and wraps.

Fabric gift bags are stylish, beautiful, washable and reusable. There are bags in all sizes, shapes and colors that can be reused over and over again every year.

Gift Bags Gone Green has created fun and funky fabric gift bags that are washable and reusable. They have some very cute holiday prints available.

Small bags start at just $5.99 and extra large bags are $13.49. A whole set of bags that includes one of each size is $45.99.

http://www.giftbagsgonegreen.com/

Lucky Crow also has some wonderful, reusable cloth gift bag collections including some made from organic cotton. They offer prints and solid colors with plenty suitable for holiday giving.

Extra small bags are $4.49; extra large bags are $13.49

http://www.luckycrow.com/

Ecorations sell beautiful fabric gift bags, pouches, sacks, and fabric wraps that can be reused year after year. They even offer the giant, 100% organic cotton Santa sack which can hold quite a few gifts. This heavy duty cotton bag is something that can be cherished by children for generations. I know my little guy is going to love finding a Santa Sack filled with goodies just for him.

Pricing starts at just $5.99 and goes up from there

http://www.ecorations.com/

Wrap it Green

Tied fabric, creative gift boxes, and reusable gift bags are all wonderful eco-ways to save trees and have a fun, green Christmas, but they may lack a little of that old fashioned holiday magic the kids really look forward to.

Nothing says Christmas morning like the sound of wrapping paper being torn from gifts. If you have children you can’t really give up wrapping paper altogether (at least my family can't) but you can still be green while wrapping gifts in paper. You just have to choose the most eco-friendly wrap possible by choosing companies that make gift wrap from recycled paper and eco-conscious inks.

Fish Lips Paper Designs is an eco-friendly wrapping paper company based in Florida. All of their gift wraps are designed, printed and packaged right here in the USA on 100% DE-INKED recycled paper (with a minimum of 50% PCW) using non-toxic soy inks.

Fish Lips wrapping papers are available for resale in individual sheets (22″ x 33.75″) or “rolls” of 2 sheets.

Retail prices are $4 for a gift wrap sheet and $8 per two sheet roll

http://www.fishlipspaperdesigns.com/

Earth Presents produces 100% recycled and recyclable gift wrap products. Their wrapping paper and gift tags are made out of 100% post-consumer recycled paper that is processed chlorine free. Vegetable-based inks are used so that the paper is eco friendly and fully recyclable. Matching ribbons and bows are made from recycled plastic bottles!

Gift wrap is $6.00 for two 24" x 36" sheets

http://www.earthpresents.com/

Earth Love’n Paper Products sell gift wrap and gift tags/cards that are printed on 100% post-consumer waste and processed chlorine free and printed with vegetable based ink. They sell several lovely winter holiday designs including some for Hanukkah.

Two 24x36 inch pieces of paper sell $4.75 for flat sheets, $5.35 for a roll

http://www.earthloven.com/

Paper Source has a beautiful line of recycled gift wrap. The PS Green Choices line has a cute selection of holiday patterns printed on Eco-White, 100% recycled paper made with a minimum of 30% post-consumer waste.

They also scrap book paper sized sheets and lovely Christmas greeting cards as part of their PS Green Choices line.

Wrapping paper sizes and prices are $2.25 for a flat sheet -size - 19 1/2" x 27"and $7.95 for a roll. A roll contains 2 sheets - 26 1/2" x 39"

http://www.paper-source.com/

There are many ways to wrap in eco-style and the most important thing is that you put an eco-conscious effort into making the holidays greener this year. These are just some of the green wrapping options available. Think creatively and you could probably come up with some fun, green ways to wrap your gifts this year.

Eco-Friendly Photo Greeting Cards

It’s about time someone offered a service that allows you to create your own photo greeting cards that are printed on eco-friendly paper. My Good Greetings does just that.

For the first time, beautiful custom photo greeting cards, announcements and invitations, with matching envelopes and address labels, are completely earth-conscious – from printing to packaging – every step of the way.

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Green Holiday Gift Ideas

Top 25 Environmental Holiday Gift Ideas

Now that Thanksgiving is over, Christmas gift buying is in full swing. The challenge is on! With only a few shopping days left and perhaps many gifts still to buy; here are a few ways to minimize your shopping time and frustration and simultaneously make a significant difference for the environment. When making a few changes in your buying styles and habits you can have a considerable impact on the environment with little effort.

It’s really fairly easy. Just follow some of the gift ideas below and enjoy the satisfaction of being part of the “green” movement by greening your gifts. Make it a truly “green” holiday this year. Take heed!

Remember try to give gifts that people need, can use and are practical. Be creative! Try these……

1. Tickets to movies, concerts, museums, sporting events, outdoor activities or an annual pass to national parks.

2. House or garden plants, herbs, seeds and bulbs. Pots and planters boxes made from natural ingredients.

3. Gift certificates to clothing, electronics, books, grocery, or vitamin stores.

4. Donate to one or more Charities in the name of your recipient.

5. Give the gift of YOU! Make coupons for services such as babysitting, a night out at the movies, dinners dates, weekends away, massages, yard work, dog-walking or help write a resume or article, give a computer lesson or offer some other talent or skill you can share.

6. An old book or collector’s item. Things with unique and personal meaning. Shop at antique stores, estate sales or flea markets for these treasurers.

7. Cook home-baked sweets and put in a reusable tin box, a kitchen container, or another usable item.

8. Any homemade item; a knitted hat or scarf, a pair of earrings, or pottery.

9. Fair-trade organic chocolate or coffee. Always a favorite.

10. Clothes and other items made from hemp, wool, or organic cotton.

11. A roll of postage stamps.

12. Office supplies such as recycled paper and envelops.

13 Energy efficient light bulbs, battery re-chargers, or solar-powered products.

14. First aid kits or emergency road side equipment.

15. Board and card games that will be used over and over again.

16. For your children, you can open a savings account, buy stocks or bonds.

17. A gift gasoline card for your teenager or college student.

18. A calendar marked with important dates, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and family gatherings.

19. A book of favorite recipes.

20. Carbon offsetting. This purchase erases negative energy footprint of reducing carbon emissions.

21. Music and books. itunes or the equivalent downloadable books and music.

22. Plant trees in the name of your beneficiary.

23. Name a star after

24. Have a party and invite everyone over as your gift.

25. A year’s membership to an Environmental organization, a health spa, or auto club.

The list is really endless if you just take a moment to think about your purchase. If you consider where the product was made, what it is made of, who made it, what actually went in to the manufacturing of the product, you might want to reconsider that purchase.

Fact: A manufactured item will generate 70 times its weight in waste during manufacturing. Wow!

To learn more about how become more environmental conscious when planning your holiday parties and events, planning conferences, workshops and seminars, and events of all sizes, shapes, and styles, visit my website: http://www.successfuleventplanning.com/.

Short Bio:

As an Event Planner, Writer, and Environmentalist Ms. Kilkenny is in the process of writing her next book which is dedicated to "greening" the hospitality and event planning industry. Her first book is“The Complete Guide to Successful Event Planning”

isit http://http://www.successfuleventplanning.com/ for more information.

Earth Love’n Paper Products Perfect for the Holidays

If you don’t have time to make you own gift wrap or cards this year, or maybe if you just need a starting point check out Earth Love’n Paper Products. They make gift wrap and note cards from 100% recycled paper.

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You Know There's Going to Be Leftovers

Check out these great turkey leftover recipes provided by Mission Foods http://www.missionmenus.com/

Turkey and Black Bean Wraps

Serves: 8
PrepTime (min): 10
CookTime (min): 7
Prep Tool: Stovetop

Recipe Ingredients:

8 Mission® 96% Fat Free Heart Healthy 8 inch Soft Taco Tortillas warmed (Available in grocery stores nationwide)

2 medium Tomatoes chopped

1/2 cup canned Black Beans rinsed and drained

4 tablespoons canned Green Chiles sliced

1/3 cup Green Onion sliced

1 tablespoon Cilantro chopped

1 package Spices and Seasonings for fajitas

1/2 cup Water

3 cups cooked Turkey shredded

Recipe Instructions:

1. Combine tomatoes, black beans, chilies, green onions and cilantro; set aside.

2. In large skillet, combine seasonings and water; bring to a boil.

3. Add turkey and reduce heat. Fold in tomato mixture and cook on low for 5 minutes, stirring often.

4. Scoop 1/4 cup of the cooked mixture on each tortilla. Fold in sides and roll-up to serve.

Turkey Veggie Casserole in Easy Bake Shell

Serves: 6
PrepTime (min): 15
CookTime (min): 30
Prep Tool: Oven

Recipe Ingredients:

6 Mission® 6 inch Small Flour Tortillas (Available in grocery stores nationwide)
1 tablespoon Margarine

1 cup button Mushrooms sliced

1 clove Garlic medium, minced

1 10 ounce can condensed Cheese or Broccoli Cheese Soup undiluted

1/2 cup Sour Cream

2 cups cooked or leftover Turkey cubed

1 cup cooked Broccoli Florets fresh

1 cup sliced, cooked Carrots

1/2 cup sliced Green Onions

Recipe Instructions:

1. Lightly brush six 1 cup custard cups or small oven-proof bowls with softened margarine.

2. Shells: soften tortillas by warming briefly in skillet or microwave, and then gently push tortilla into cup or bowl and place on baking sheet.

3. Filling: sauté mushrooms and garlic in 1 tablespoon margarine. Stir in soup and sour cream, blend well, and add turkey, broccoli, carrots and green onions. Remove from heat.

4. Spoon 1/2 cup filling into each tortilla shell. Bake at 375 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes until filling is hot. Carefully remove shells from cups and serve.

Turkey Tacos with Cranberry Chipotle Sauce

Serves: 6PrepTime (min): 15
CookTime (min): 15
Prep Tool: Work Surface, Stovetop

Recipe Ingredients:

Tacos:

12 Mission® 96% Fat Free Heart Healthy 8 inch Soft Taco Tortillas (Available in grocery stores nationwide)

3 cups cooked Turkey cut into strips

6 cups Mixed Greens

1/2 cup Candied Walnuts

Sauce:

2 Oranges zested, minced

1 cup Sugar

1 pound Cranberries, frozen whole

1 tablespoon Chipotle (canned), pepper and sauce, pureed

2 tablespoons Orange Liqueur such as Grand Marnier (optional)

1 tablespoon Mint, Fresh chopped

1/4 teaspoon Cloves Ground

1/4 teaspoon Ginger, Ground

Recipe Instructions:

1. To prepare the sauce, zest one orange and set aside. Juice both oranges, pour juice into a saucepan. Add the sugar and bring to a boil. Add cranberries, orange zest, and chipotle. Turn down heat and simmer until cranberry skins burst.

2. Remove from heat, and stir in orange liqueur, mint, cloves and ginger. The sauce can be made ahead and reheated before serving.

3. To prepare tacos, cut leftover turkey into 2” strips and reheat (microwave). Place approximately 1/4 cup turkey in each warm tortilla, top with evenly divided cranberry sauce, greens and walnuts.

Read more: http://www.sheblogs.org/2009/10/turkey-trio-turkey-leftovers-3-ways/#ixzz0W6yrNO6q

Simple, Stylish Fabric Bags from Lucky Crow

Looking at these lovely fabric gift bag samples from Lucky Crow makes me wonder why everyone doesn’t use such crafty, beautiful and reusable bags during the holidays.

Sure some people really need that wrapping paper rip to feel like they are opening a gift but these bags are so beautiful they are a gift themselves.

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Ecorations Santa Sack

In addition to all the beautiful, reusable fabric gift bags that Ecorations have to offer, this year for the holidays they have a new Santa Sack that can be personalized with your child’s name on it.

Made from organic cotton the Ecorations Santa Sack is large, almost 23 inches tall and 13 inches in diameter. This large bag can be filled with a lot of gifts.

I received one of these fabulous heavy duty bags and plan to use it for the little guy who still believes in Santa. he is going to be thrilled to receive his own Santa sack full of gifts.

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Grow Your Own Tree Hugger: 101 Activities to Teach Your Child How to Live Green

Here’s a fun book you may enjoy. It could inspire you with new ways to teach your child about living green. Or it may make a great gift for another parent that you know who could use some help in the eco-department.

Grow Your Own Tree Hugger: 101 activities to teach your child how to live green by Wendy Rosenoff is full of activities, crafts and recipes that can easily teach children about the environment and about being green without being preachy.

Some of the activities sound like so much fun your kids won’t even know they’re learning.

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Smell Like a Goddess with Auric Blends

If you crave the exotic, Auric Blends Goddess Scents are for you. They are 100% natural blended with exotic essential oils, resins and absolutes to bring out the goddess in every woman. Each unique scent is named after the goddess that inspired the aroma.

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The Joy of Green Cleaning by Leslie Reichert

If you want to clean green but don’t want to pay extra for green cleaning products consider making your own. The Joy of Green Cleaning by Certified Green Cleaner Leslie Reichert is full of recipes to make your own eco-friendly cleaning supplies with things you probably already have in your home. Like lemon juice, baking soda and white vinegar.

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For the Naughty Ones on Your Holiday List: Santa’s Coal and Snowman Poop

Here’s a fun stocking stuffing gift for those who have been a little naughty this year: Sweet Soaps Santa’s Coal and Snowman Poop soaps.

Sure to get the message across while garnering a smile these fun soaps will make perfect eco-friendly stocking stuffers.

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A Review of Refashioned Bags: Upcycle Anything into High-Style Handbags

A woman’s handbag is an extension of herself. It shows off her style, her personality and her ability to coordinate the perfect bag with her outfit. Many of us can’t really afford to have a bag for every outfit or mood but with a little craftiness and the help of this new book…maybe we can.

Refashioned Bags: Upcycle Anything into High-Style Handbags is a new book that shows us how to turn almost anything into a fun, funky and fabulous handbags.

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Fuji EnviroMAX Eco Batteries

Yes, I know most eco gifts don’t need batteries but some tech gadgets and other goodies do, like digital cameras and who is going to be without a camera on Christmas?

This year you have a green choice when it comes to batteries-other than the often expensive and hard to find recharge-ables (why can’t they just put them with the rest of the darn batteries, but no you have to go searching and end up in the electronics section if they carry them at all). Anyway this year you have the option of buying Fuji’s new EnviroMAX batteries.

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Follow Up On Thermos Foogoo Sippy Cups

In all honesty I have to make a follow up post about the Thermos Foogoo sippy cups that I recently reviewed.

http://creativelygreen.blogspot.com/2009/10/thermos-foogo-phases-offeres-bpa-free.html

At first I loved it. Now...not so much.

I still love the stainless steel part, it really does keep the drink cold for a long time and it stays cleaner longer...but the lid.

OMG that thing is a pain in the butt.

The lid is plastic with two pieces that insert inside the lid to make it spill proof. A rubber like insert then a hard plastic insert that holds the rubbery piece in.

Well it was a pain to pull those apart and clean everything to begin with but after a few weeks of usage I took it apart to clean it and now it is impossible to put it back together.

The hard plastic will not fit over the soft rubbery like piece now-at all. I thought I was weak and just couldn't get it on but everyone in my house-including my husband has tried to fit it back together with no luck.

So now I can't even use the cup because the lid will not fit back together.

Looks like they need to head back to the design board to make that damn lid more user friendly.

Removeez What Every Parent Needs

I think it’s happened to us all- the kid gets a hold of a pen or marker or even some paint…and it refuses to come off the skin even when scrubbing so hard you practically take the skin off. And we know that is neither is fun for the parent nor the child.

Finally someone, parents of course, invented a safe, natural product that “gets stuff off your skin”, Removeez.

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Zap-A-Doo: Prolong the Life of Kitty Litter While Killing Odor

Probiotic Litter Box Odor Control

"Cats naturally hunt from ambush so they hide from their prey. All cats instinctively try to hide their scent by burying their waste in the ground. This explains why cats use a litter box, but a litter box does not hide their scent as well as dirt.In Nature, probiotics in the dirt recycle the cat waste with almost no odor.

Now you can add probiotics to your kitty litter and control odor naturally with no more "inapproriate elimination"...the way Nature intended.

Finally, your cat can hide their scent and nobody will know you have a litter box!

Each order of "One Month's Supply" of Zap-A-Doo works for one month with 1-2 cats using one litter box."

When I received the offer to try Zap-A-Doo I jumped on it. I have 3 cats. Litter box odor is a big issue. We try to keep the boxes clean and as odorless as possible while using the litter for as long as possible, because face it-times are tough and that's another expense.

You just mix a whole bag of Zap-a-doo into a box of litter and let it work. Scoop the box as usual but take not...anything smell different?

OMG I couldn't believe how it controled the odor...without affecting my cats. Safe and natural. Wonderful.

Can I buy stock in Zap-A-Doo? This is a fabulous product.


Here's more about what it is and how it works.


Zap-A-Doo copies Nature. Ingredients are 100% plant-based and biodegradable. Zap-A-Doo is the natural solution to kitty litter odor and "inappropriate elimination".





Ingredients



100% natural and biodegradable. Plant-based ingredients are animal food grade quality grains, cereals and roots. The probiotics and trace minerals are listed for certified organic farm use by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI).



What Litter To Use



Zap-A-Doo is a litter additive that can be used with any and every kind of litter on the market. Zap-A-Doo makes every litter work better. If you experience any problems with your brand of litter and Zap-A-Doo, please contact us at info@zap-a-doo.com.



Live Culture



The probiotics are alive, but dormant like a "starter culture" for yogurt or sourdough bread. Probiotics has the sweet and sour smell of fermentation and molasses.



If there is a rotten, putrid smell: Do Not Use. Please email info@zap-a-doo.com.



Storage



Since the probiotics are alive, use as soon as possible. Always use the whole bag. Do not try to reclose the bag. Store at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.