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Holiday reminder: Gift wrap not recyclable

Wrapping paper cannot be recycled, and the public is encouraged to consider alternatives.

Abbotsford Community Services Recycling Program wants people to consider the environment this holiday season.

Traditional gift wrap is not recyclable in the current system because of low paper quality, high dye content and the plastic ribbons and bows that often remain attached, which can contaminate the paper product.

Program organizers are suggesting instead of using traditional gift wrap, people can make their own by using brown paper bags or a roll of brown paper and add festive decorations with crayons, paint and stamps.

Other suggestions: Gifts can also be wrapped in newspaper, comics, magazines, old road maps or sheet music. Gifts can also be wrapped using blankets, towels, scarves and cloth bags. Old Christmas cards can also be reused and made into gift tags. Make sure you save gift bags, boxes, ribbons and bows to be reused year after year.

For more “green” holiday ideas, contact Abbotsford Community Services Recycling Program at 604-850-3551 or online at www.acsrecycling.ca.