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Five Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap Alternatives

Because wrapping paper is pointless.

Dec 11, 2016

Five Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap Alternatives

While "the most wonderful time of the year" is here, it is also the time for insane amounts of waste. According to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, "Americans throw away 25 percent more trash during the Thanksgiving to New Year's holiday period than any other time, with the extra waste amounts to 25 million tons of garbage or about 1 million extra tons per week."

I never have really understood the point of wrapping paper. But it isn't just wrapping paper. All of the tissue, bows, bags, ribbons, cards, gift tags, and other sparkly materials that can't be saved end up in the trash. Don't get me wrong, it is aesthetically pleasing. However, gift wrap goes through an entire production process to be used once and then thrown away. It is wasteful.

So, here are five more eco-friendly options to wrap gifts this year:

1. Newspaper

2. Brown Grocery Bags Turned Inside Out

3. Reusable Shopping Bags

4. Scarves

5. Mason Jars

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Because wrapping paper is pointless.

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5. Mason Jars

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The world's greatest university meets the world's greatest show.

1. When you get your acceptance letter

2. When you try to figure out how class enrollment works

3. When it’s move in day

4. When you arrive on campus and see all of the attractive people

5. FROG Week

6. When you find your squad

7. When you visit DHall (RIP) or EHall for the first time

8. When you take on way too many credits

9. When you go to your first party at JMU

10. When the rival school shows up for the homecoming game (or any game really)

11. Sunday Brunch

12. When you see the infamous “preacher” for the first time

13. The first snow day

14. Madipalooza

15. When finals week rolls around

16. When you have to say goodbye

17. And when you finally get to go back

Do you have a small get-together or throw a big bash?

1. Your family and friends ask what you want for your birthday, so you give them a list of options.

2. You're super excited about your birthday the week before.

3. Your family flies in town to celebrate with you.

4. Your siblings wake you up.

5. Your friends are so excited to be with you on your big day.

6. If you work, your office might throw a party for you.

7. For your actual party, you plan a small get-together with close family and friends ...

8. ... or large celebration with everyone you know.

9. You eat the best meal you've had in weeks.

10. You devour the first piece of cake proudly.

11. You embarrass yourself somehow.

12. You get the present you really wanted but thought no one would get you.

13. You are a little sad about getting older.

14. That feeling wears off and you realize how happy you are to have family and friends to celebrate this day with you.

15. The morning after your birthday looks something like this.

Syllabus week doesn't exist.

You can forget to breathe OR to buy fruit OR to even pet a dog but you cannot forget these things!!

All names should be "unisex names."

1. Communicating via email can be awkward.

2. Appointments usually accompany weird looks.

3. Introducing yourself to someone is never without a hitch.

4. You’ve probably thought about changing your name.

5. You’re often asked why you have the name you do.

6. You get excited when you meet someone of your gender with your name.

7. You feel awkward when you meet someone of the opposite gender with your name.

8. You’ve had someone say to you, “I knew a [your name], but they were [your opposite gender].”

9. You’ve heard a bad joke/pick-up line or two about your name before.

10. People are surprised when they see you.

11. You’re extra sensitive to other unique or unisex names.

12. You’ve fought with your parents about it.

13. All things considered, you’re happy your name makes you unique.

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