Do Just One Thing

12/23/11

The average American household spends about $41 on disposable holiday gift wrap and bows each season. Save some money and cut down on wasteful, hard-to-recycle paper and bows by using things you already have. Wrap gifts in newsprint or flattened kraft paper from paper shopping bags. Rip open an old VHS tape and use the shiny black tape for ribbon. And fill boxes with shredded scrap paper that you've run through a paper shredder.

12/22/11

If you must use disposable paper plates, go with that are the most boring, uncoated, unprinted kinds. Party plates that come in bright colors with shiny coatings are not compostable, nonrecyclable and can be expensive to buy. Generic white paper plates or durable classic white Chinet plates get the job done and can be safely tossed into the compost bin at home to break down and become beneficial mulch.

12/21/11

When in doubt as to what to give someone as a gift, think potted plants. Some easy-to-grow plants that are nearly impossible to kill include snake plants, jade plants, peace lily, succulents and, of course, cacti. Repot the plant in a pretty ceramic pot with drainage holes and tie a bow around it (be sure to leave the care instruction tag most houseplants come with). And remember: Stores like Lowe's will usually take back the plastic container the plant came in for recycling.