First, you choose the perfect gift for someone special.  Next, you wrap it and make it look lovely.  Then, you place it under the tree and wait to see the expression of joy as they unwrap it on Christmas morning.   There is something so special and festive about seeing all the different shapes and pretty colours under the twinkling lights, knowing that each one was chosen or made with love.   However, there is one thing that is not so festive: Garbage.  All that wrapping and packaging, while it looks great, can add up so quickly, leaving you (and the earth) with a big mess to clean up.  So what’s a girl (or boy) to do?  Reuse whatever bags or paper you can, or even make the wrapping part of the gift.  You could wrap your mom’s gift in an antique handkerchief from a flea market, or your best friend’s pretty bangle in a colourful scarf, even comics and old magazines can find a fun second use before they get recycled!  Of course, we have crafty Canadians who have come up with even more creative solutions, like the reusable fabric gift wrap from Hop Frog Pond.

These simple to use and stylish wraps are as easy on the eye as they are on the earth!

Wrapping gifts in fabric has been a tradition in Japan and Korea for centuries, and I say it’s time for everyone to hop on board.  It’s really quite easy to do, just click here to see some wrapping instructions.  Each one can be used over and over again, saving you money and reducing waste.

Don’t forget to get the little ones in on the act: it’s never to early to learn about conservation and being kind to our earth.

Hop Frog Pond (also known as Doris), is from North Vancouver, BC.  She loves colour and great fabrics, and doing her part to be kind to our planet.  Find out more about her and Furoshiki wrapping on her website, or stop by the Etsy or Cargoh shops to see all the available styles.  Then head over to Facebook and Twitter to share the love.

I’m dreaming of a Green Christmas…
~Jennifer