University Sustainability

Defining Sustainability since 1899

Holiday Waste Reduction & Green Gifting Tips

Gift Giving Ideas

  • Send holiday e-cards instead of standard greeting cards, or buy recycled content cards.
  • Make gifts instead of purchasing them- baked goods are always fun.
  • Give locally made gifts - support your local economy.
  • Look for gifts that are minimally packaged, or have no package at all.
  • Consider the impact of your gift.
  • Re-gift - a wonderful way to recycle.
  • Give the gift of reusables by giving a reusable grocery sack, water bottle or lunch container and teach someone the value of reuse.
  • Gift certificates are great for gifts you know will be kept.
  • Want to give a nonmaterial gift? How about giving to charity in someone’s name, or buy tickets to an event such as a concert, sports event, etc.
  • Consider purchasing a more durable item that will last longer. If money is an issue for something of considerable value, consider going in on a gift for someone with other family members.
  • Shop at thrift stores for unique gift items or holiday decorations.
  • Purchase recycled contents products to close the recycling loop.
  • When shopping for gifts, make sure to use reusable shopping bags!

Alternative Gift Wrapping Ideas

  • Use brown paper sacks and decorate with markers, stamps, etc.
  • Purchase sturdy gift bags to be used year after year.
  • For large or hard to wrap gifts, just add a bow instead of gift wrap.
  • Hide gifts and set-up a scavenger hunt for finding them.
  • Put small gifts in a stocking and use every year.
  • Wrap gifts in funny papers or old newspaper and decorate.
  • Make gift tags from last years greeting cards.
  • Wrap gifts in another gift - example: wrapping jewelry inside a scarf.
  • If you do have to use wrapping paper, buy recycled content paper!

Party Waste Reduction Tips

  • Buy baked goods and snacks in bulk or large volume.
  • Use reusable tableware and, if you do not have enough of your own, borrow some from your neighbors and friends.
  • Use cloth napkins instead of paper towels.
  • Rent reusable party dishes from your local party rental company.
  • Place plenty of easily identifiable recycling bins around during your party.
  • Point out ways your party is practicing waste reduction and SPREAD THE WORD!

After the holidays...

  • Save packing materials, wrapping and tissue paper for reuse.
  • Use leftover gift wrap to line dresser drawers and shelves.
  • Save bows, ribbon, tags and gift bags for next year.
  • Cut up leftover wrap to make scratch pads.
  • Compost your leftover food.
  • Recycle your tree - Some communities collect trees to make mulch - check into your local program opportunities.
  • Continue green living - learn from your actions, live better and become more eco-conscious all year long!

For more info on zero waste at Appalachian, please contact Jennifer Maxwell, Resource Conservation Specialist at maxwelljb@appstate.edu.