Having lived through the Great Depression, my paternal grandmother set a wonderful example of Green Living. In addition to living sensibly frugal and using natural products, she re-purposed anything that retained an element of functionality.
I have vivid memories of the family gathering for her birthday. We would gather around the rectangular dining room table at my grandparents' house after dinner. The room was filled with laughter and lively conversation and while enjoying desert, we would take turns giving Nanny her gifts. She would, with great determination, painstakingly unwrap each gift in a way that did not damage the gift-wrap.
Once the paper was completely removed, she would smooth and fold it before proceeding to open the gift. This would create a torturous anticipation in the hearts of all the children in the room. Of course, you can imagine the horror and frustration she would feel watching us ravenously tearing the wrapping paper from our holiday gifts.
Certainly, the meticulous removal and storing of gift-wrap is one way to reduce waste. If the excitement of the moment prevents one from such an approach, there is another alternative. Rather than throwing the gift-wrap into the recycle bin, run it through a paper shredder and use the shredded paper as stuffing for gift bags and packing material for shipping.
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