It's Time to Open the Gifts!

Before opening all those gaily wrapped packages, here are a few hints to get you through the mountains of ribbon, stuffing, and wrapping.

• Set a box aside to collect the reusable ribbons, bows, and other package decorations.
• Most gifts boxes can be flattened and reused throughout the year for other items. Recycle boxes that can't be reused.
• With all the excitement, people usually tear through the gift wrap, so set aside a large box or bag to collect the torn gift wrap. If there are large uncrumpled pieces of wrap, consider using those pieces for wrapping future gifts.

Caution: Before taking the bag of used gift wrap out to the trash can, check to make sure toy or game parts have not been accidentally dropped in the bag.

• Drop off extra packaging materials at local private mailing centers. Call the Plastic Loosefill Products Council (1-800-828-2214) for the names of local businesses that reuse them.
• Put this year's Christmas cards away to cut up and use as gift tags for next year's gifts.
• Got a new microwave, toaster, clock radio, toy, or coat? Consider giving away your old appliances, toys, games, or clothing to a local charity or thrift store.
• Before you throw away or recycle all of those gift catalogs, take a minute to pick out the ones you don't want to receive anymore. Call their toll-free numbers now and ask to get off their list.
• If you bought a live Christmas tree, be sure to plant it. Or consider donating it a local school or nursing home to plant on their grounds.
• If you bought a cut tree, remove all decorations including tinsel and lights before recycling. Check your local paper for instructions on recycling options and the dates for pickup or drop-off. City and county Christmas tree recycling programs are also advertised on the radio.
• Recycle your broken or burned-out holiday lights. Mail them to Christmas Light Source Recycling Program, 1923 6th Ave., Ft. Worth, Texas 76110. The bulbs will be recycled, and proceeds will be used to purchase books for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.
• Save used gift wrapping paper and reuse it next year.
• Used Christmas cards, especially those with large pictures to cut out, can be used as tree decorations. Just put a hole at the top of the card and knot a piece of string or lace through the hole to hang on next year's Christmas tree, door handles, etc.
• Consider these alternate uses for your old Christmas cards: Bookmarks, gift tags, greeting cards, ornaments, place mats, or to decorate storage boxes.
• Recycle cotton or cotton-blend fabric remnants into napkins. Sew hems or add a trim such as rickrack.
• Use an old white bedsheet or a washable plastic tablecloth (with the white fuzzy side up) instead of purchasing paper tablecloths for your holiday meal tables.
• Discarded cell phones may be donated to your local Domestic Violence Programs.

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