DIY ECO-FRIENDLY GIFTING
By: Genevieve Ticlo

Whether its for the holidays, a birthday, or for no particular reason at all, gift-giving is a great way to show someone you care. But the rolls of thrown-out wrapping paper, stashes of unused, unopened gifts, and wasted packaging can often pile up, hurting our beautiful earth in the process. So how can you give with green in mind? Simple! Just remember these eco-friendly tips before you whip out that big, red bow:

1. Wrap without Waste
   Remember that stack of Sunday comics you have sitting on your kitchen table? How about those old maps to who-knows-where in your desk drawer? Reusing paper recyclables to dress up your gift is an easy way to skip out on commercial gift wrap that is almost guaranteed to end up thrown out in the end. Plus, a favorite comic or nostalgic map adds a personal touch to gifts for close family and friends.
    
2. Bag, Bottle, Bundle, and Box it Up!
   Using reusable gift bags, tote bags, empty jars, scarves, and old hat boxes to hold a gift can be both fun and fashionable! Decorate plain boxes and jars with paint or ribbon to spice them up, or wrap up a small present with a beautiful scarf for a bonus gift. Because the container can be used again by the recipient, you are helping make a cleaner, greener gift.
    
3. Service with a Smile
   Instead of giving commercial products and supporting wasteful packaging, shipping, etc., give the gift of you! Offer someone a service, such as 10 hours of free babysitting or a relaxing massage. They will appreciate the personal touch, and you will appreciate the joy of doing something nice for someone you love. It’s win-win!
    
4. Give the Gift of Hope
   Imagine the smile on that special person’s face when he or she discovers that your gift has helped a poor family receive food and water, or a small child receive an education. Not only is the gift of service to others good for the earth, but its good for the soul, too. With a parent’s permission and help, you can visit websites such as World Gifts (http://worldgifts.cafod.org.uk) and Heifer (http://www.heifer.org) to find out more.
    
5. Green Bows are Best
   Instead of one-time-use fabric or paper bows, try adorning your gift with something greener for that perfect, finishing touch. A dried orange or lemon slice, pinecones, small pine branches, cinnamon sticks, or a baked, homemade treat make for great low-impact, reusable, and consumable toppings.