We know the scene, but I’ll share my version: after breakfast on Christmas morning, my grandfather brings in the big outdoor trashcan, and the family sifts through a sea of ripped gift wrap, tissue paper, boxes, bags, and tape, stuffing the can full and sometimes going for garbage bag reinforcements.

In the U.S., an additional 5 million tons of waste is generated during the holiday season. 4 million tons of this is wrapping paper and shopping bags. This week in particular is responsible for massive amounts of waste. There are lots of ways to cut down on the trash tsunami that washes over us this time of year.

Reuse

Instead of throwing away tissue paper, gift bags, boxes, and big chunks of wrapping paper, save them out to use next year. Then, when next year rolls around, don’t forget to find that box of leftovers and use them up! Reuse is always a two-part process – first, you save the item from the waste bin, and then you use it for something else.

E-Cards

Christmas cards are fun ways for families and friends to connect at the end of the year, but they are also very wasteful. Consider gathering email addresses rather than snail-mail addresses, and send out big, bright e-cards with photo attachments. Electronic cards can be very versatile and even animated, and they use no paper.

DIY Wrapping

Wrapping paper can be made from old magazines, newspapers, or a mix of small, saved pieces of old gift wrap. Put aside the snowman wrapping and bag of red and green bows this year, and give your gifts a creative, funky wrap. They’ll be a hit even before they’re unwrapped!

Tags and Boxes

Old Christmas cards can be reused as unique, funky gift boxes, gift certificate holders, and gift tags. Instructions for crafting gift boxes are online.

Reducing the amount of wrapping, cards, and bags you buy new each year is the easiest way to cut Christmas waste, and saving wrapping materials from the gifts you get deals trash-generation another blow. These simple, crafty practices also give you an opportunity to personalize your gifts by reusing all the materials stored in your holiday boxes.