I had grand plans to make all my xmas wrap this year. I bought used sheets to sew into differently sized, reusable bags. Then I could decorate them with the kids. I was going to give away all my wrapping paper ahead of time and force myself into action.
The amount of waste on average per person per day is 5 pounds. At Christmas, that amount can double and more. Think about some things that are 10 pounds: bag of flour, a three month old baby, a couple of bricks....it's a LOT.
So I have some guilt about throwing away that much trash. I thought that by eliminating the paper aspect, it would help. Then the reality of TOYS hit me. All the plastic molded to fit each little dog or block or doll, all the waxed cardboard, and the sheer amount of packaging!!!!!! It's enough to make you quit.
Then there is the experience of receiving a gift. I would much rather have a sensible, reusable bag of some kind. But my kids might not feel the same way. I remember how fun it was to tear into a present, so excited to find out what it is. The anticipation, so much more exciting than the gift itself. Does that excitement go away if it's simply a pull out of the bag? Am I depriving them of a classic Christmas experience?
Well, they have this year to tear into paper wrapped surprises and we'll find out if wrapping paper is compostable.
Good thing I never got around to giving it away.
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