These days the big buzz is “green” and everyone is looking for ways to do their part in reducing waste and helping the environment. The holiday season is not exactly a green time of year, but you can do something about that if you think things through ahead of time. Re-using holiday paper, using natural materials and investing in holiday stamps are all things you can do to lessen your carbon footprint at this time of year. Since every little bit adds up, let’s take a closer look at some of the steps you can take:

• Holiday bags can easily be re-used from year to year, so hang on to the ones you get. Just pull off the gift tag and add your own. You can use a hole punch and ribbon to add a gift tag for the next person.
• Saving holiday wrapping paper can be tricky, but if you have some that can be used again, neatly fold it and store until next year. Remember to unwrap your gifts carefully and you may be able to re-use a section of it–even if you can’t use the whole sheet.
• Natural materials are also a good way to go green. Make your own cloth bags out of a holiday-themed fabric and encourage the recipient to use it again next season.
• Plain brown paper can be dressed up with holiday stamps to look festive and interesting–and then the wrapping can be recycled.
• You can include the holiday stamps in an “art project” and teach children about the value of going green when it comes to wrapping gifts. They can pitch in and help decorate presents, and even sign their “artwork” if they are so inclined. This is a great way to spend time together during the holidays, and it is educational as well.
• Holiday stamps are a terrific tool if you are looking to go green when wrapping gifts or creating custom gift tags. You can order them in a variety of different designs, and they can even double as an envelope decoration as well. If you are looking to go green, this is a fantastic investment to make, as it cuts way down on waste. Check out our selection to see what you might like.

Just taking a few simple steps can help your household go green for the holidays. Try out an idea or two from this list and see what works well for your family.