My family was ahead of the eco-friendly trend when it came to wrapping paper. In the 80s, we wrapped the lids and bottoms of boxes separately with our favorite paper, allowing us to re-use year after year with just a fresh ribbon (and sometimes even a reused one!) In the 90s, we made or purchased fabric gift bags with drawstring ribbons that allow for easy access. Not only are these ideas simple and reduce wrapping waste and stress, but they have also become beloved holiday memories themselves: who will receive the Snoopy box or the snowman bag this year? You can even hold a craft-party with friends and family to make your boxes and bags out of scraps from your other projects!

Here's another great holiday idea that holds up year-round:

Here's a great find from www.dailygrommet.com: 

The end of a tree's growing life is not the end of its useful life by any means. Spencer Peterman from Western Massachusetts can attest to that personally. Spencer spends his time scouring the woods for fallen maple trees that he makes into fine bowls for your dinner table. 

Spencer's spaulted bowls - named for the natural veining or cracking that occurs during the decomposition process - are available in a range of sizes. He also offers spaulted maple salad tossers. All of his products are made from fallen or donated trees - no trees are cut down. Spencer can even make a bowl out of your own beloved fallen tree! 

I just found this book Sewing Green by Betz White and hear rave reviews about the projects.  My family and friends have been suffering through me teaching myself to sew (they get the items that are a little rough, the ones I practice on!).  I've got to pick up this book so I can steer my sewing projects into the green realm.  Does anyone have the book and have feedback to share?  I wonder if there are any projects in there for re-upholstering the rocking chair I just inherited.