wrapping gifts…

Wrapping paper is sometimes recyclable, however, the shiny, shimmery wraps usually are not.

Best practice: choose wrapping that looks and feels just like paper. When the excitement of gift opening is over, paper wrapping can either be tucked away and reused in the future, or go right in the recycle bin!

Remember: you don’t have to use wrapping paper.  Try something different this year!  Consider these:

• Old newspaper or junk mail

• Scarves, handkerchiefs, or bandannas

• Old posters and maps

• Pages from a child’s coloring book

• Old sheet music

• Pages from travel magazines

• Wallpaper scraps

• Home-sewn cloth bags

• Fabric scraps (great for quilters!)

• A cardboard box (you can decorate it too)

REDUCING YOUR ENERGY CONSUMPTION

Bright lights don’t have to burn a hole in your electric bill!

• Light emitting diode (LED) lights will reduce energy consumption as much as 85% over incandescents!

• LEDs produce little heat and reduce risk of fire

• LEDs can last for as long as 20 seasons!

When you can’t use them anymore, always recycle your holiday lights!

Habitat Store (1810 Schofield Ave in Weston. Open Saturdays 9am-1pm. Phone: 715-848-5042) manages collection sites at the following locations:

• Associated Bank: Wausau & Weston

• Wausau City Hall: 407 Grant Street, Wausau

• Pick ‘n Save: Wausau, Rothschild, Weston

• Marathon Bank: Wausau, Rothschild, Mosinee

• Prevail Bank: 900 S 17th Ave #1765, Wausau

• People’s State Bank: Wausau, Rib Mountain, Weston, Marathon

• Abby Bank: Wausau & Weston

• Intercity State Bank: Wausau, Schofield, Weston

• Mosinee City Hall: 225 Main Street, Mosinee

• Piggly Wiggly: 530 W State Hwy 153, Mosinee

• Habitat Store during business hours

NCW Goodwill Locations: they will take your unwanted, still working holiday lights year-round.

THE NO WASTE GIFT

Charitable giving: Local charities and non-profits often make significant community impact and the holiday season could be a great time to help them continue their work. Consider pooling resources to give to a select charity.

• Every charitable organization has different needs, whether financial or material.

• Check to see what is on their “wish list.”

Does someone on your holiday gift list have everything and want nothing? Consider making a donation in their name to this person’s favorite cause.

• Make a homemade coupon or award showing the donation provided on their behalf.

waste-less GIFTS

By giving the gift of an experience or something functional you can easily avoid the waste of packaging and shipping, and the unseen waste of manufacturing.

• State park pass

• Hunting/fishing license

• Compost bin & composting guide

• House plants or starter kits for summer gardens

• Window herb gardens

• Bird feeders, bird seed & guide book

• Reusable shopping bags

No-budget gift ideas

Gift giving doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether your child wants to give a gift or you're looking to reduce spending yourself, keep in mind that some of the best gifts are those that cost little or no money and instead foster relationships and fun.

FOR FAMILY MEMBERS:

• Hand crafted gift certificates for doing the dishes, shoveling snow, or helping with homework

• Having family game night

• Making a family scrap book

• Cooking a favorite meal together

FOR FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS:

• Doing chores for a family with a new baby or for someone just home from the hospital

• Doing the shopping for an elderly neighbor

• Shoveling snow or help with a garden for someone who has difficulty getting around

• Read newspapers or magazines to a vision impaired friend or relative

• Just offer to sit and visit with someone who is alone