The ecofabulous Guide to the Holidays

With as much as half of the 85 million tons of paper product used each year in America going to packaging, wrapping, and decorating consumer goods, this year, choose from the many stylish options of recycled and tree-free wrapping. Or if you’re feeling crafty, make your own wrap using old magazines - this way you can customize the design for the recipient, while cutting down on your use of new materials.

Fish Lips Paper Designs:
Printed in the USA on 100% recycled paper with soy-based inks, we absolutely adore the funky bold prints from Fish Lips - especially the “chilly dogs” and “oh deer” ($4 per sheet).
Seltzer Goods Sleigh Paper:
A long time ecofab favorite, Seltzer Goods light-hearted yet luxurious recycled paper wrapping is printed in Canada using veggie based inks ($3.25 per sheet).
Bloomin’ Wrapping Kit:
This fully plantable eco-gift wrap kit (available in annuals & perennials) comes complete with three handmade sheets of paper, five To/From tags, and five natural raffia strands ($19.95).
Green Event Shop’s Recycled Wrapping:
Printed on Green-Seal certified recycled paper, using soy-based inks, Green Event Shop’s collection of holiday wrapping is fully biodegradable. We love the bright pumpkin holly ($10 for 4 sheets).
Green Field Paper Company:
Manufactured and printed in the USA on 100% recycled paper with soy-based inks, this line of wrapping paper has some of the most unique designs we’ve seen ($7.95 for 2 sheets).
Candy Canes Wrapping Paper:
Part of Paper Source’s “PS Green Choices” line, this fun contemporary wrapping paper is printed on 100% recycled (30% post-consumer) paper (“7.95 per roll).

People often argue that being environmentally conscious requires more planning and preparation (we think it has more to do with knowing your options), but when it comes to sending sustainable holiday cards, the greenest option is the quickest, easiest, and also caters to the procrastinator! Here are some of the top picks for seasonal ecards:

The Uniform Project:
We’re huge fans of The Uniform Project, so we were thrilled to see these sweet ecards done by Akanksha children. Donations made with the ecard go directly to The Akanksha Foundation for the education of underprivileged children in India.
Someecards.com:
These cards never fail to get the entire office laughing. Everyone needs a little humor this time of year, and Someecards are a sure thing - we especially love the play on environmental friendliness.
Elf Yourself:
This interactive song and dance gig provides for hours of holiday cheer. Who wouldn’t want to receive dancing elves with their head superimposed? Works great with family pets as well.
Ecards from Pingg:
Most are familiar with pingg.com’s great evite service, but did you know they also offer well-designed free ecards? Choose from hundreds of styles (check out the images in “winter wonderland”).
Video Cards from Rattlebox:
Everything’s better in motion, and there’s truly something here for everyone. We love the video cards based off old black & white movies.