Living Green, One Tip at a Time - (a weekly feature)

TIP # 39

WHAT TO DO WITH ALL THAT WRAPPING PAPER???

(Photo from FreeFoto.com via Google files) 

• You can carefully remove it and then reuse it...let's face it; this probably won't be happening on Christmas morning!!
• Unless it's the kind that has foil or some kind of waxy lining, most paper, including wrapping paper and tissue paper, is recyclable
• If it is not glossy, does not have a plastic, waxy, or metallic coating, and is not shockingly bright (officially known as Astro bright), it can probably be composted safely. Generally, if it tears easily, it's okay to compost it. 

One thing you should never do with it is burn it. Burning glossy or waxy paper, especially if it is brightly coloured or has a metallic finish, can release highly toxic chemicals into the air.

Below is a quick reference chart -

PAPER TYPE	REUSE	RECYCLE	COMPOST	GARBAGE
Glossy	X	X
Metallic	X			X
Wax-Coated	X			X
Plain/Non-Glossy,  Non-AstroBright	X	X	X
Tissue	X	X	X
Paper Tube	X	X	X
Paper Boxes	X	X	(some)

I referenced the following site for the information contained in this post -

http://ccetompkins.org/energy/heating-wood/what-do-wrapping-paper

Monica