Recycling Reminders: Celebrate A Green Christmas This Year

The holidays are upon us, which means plenty of food, laughter and a whole lot of waste. From reusing bows to properly recycling wrapping paper, here are some of the best ways to have an environmentally green Christmas.

According to Rhode Island Resource Recovery, the best way to recycle wrapping paper it to keep it as flat as possible.

"Resist the temptation to bunch wrapping paper up into balls before recycling," the agency said. "Keep all paper relatively flat so it gets sorted properly in the Materials Recycling Facility."

On the subject of wrapping paper, not all types are the same. Any paper wrapping, even if it is shiny or colorful, can be recycled. However, anything not made from trees — think mylar foil or cellophane — belong in the trash.

"All wrapping paper isn't created equal," the agency said.

Bows, ribbons, tinsel and other decorative items are not recyclable. If possible, save these items to reuse next year. If they're beyond saving, they belong in the trash.

Gift bags are another great candidate for reuse, as well as the tissue paper they are stuffed with.

"There’s no time like the present (pun intended) to cut back on holiday waste and recycle it right," the agency wrote. "Save your tissue paper! Save it for next year. It's also the perfect material to keep your ornaments safe."

If you're wrapping last-minute gifts and find yourself out of paper, check your bag stash in the pantry or under the sink. Much like covering schoolbooks, paper bags make for a great gift-wrapping option. Add a festive bow and you're ready to go!

When the holiday season is over, chances are you'll have a whole stack of holiday cards ready for disposal. Before you toss them all in the recycling bin, consider upcycling them into fun holiday bookmarks or cutting them into festive gift tags, the Coventry Public Works Department suggested.