Simple Swap: Wrapping Paper

We all want to live healthier, more intentional lives, but sometimes it seems overwhelming and daunting to take even small steps toward our ideals because there are so many steps before us.

Simple Swaps was created by Hyacynth out of a desire and passion to encourage other women on journeys toward living healthier, more inspired, intentional lifestyles through implementing one simple swap per month. 

Each swap will:

1. Take 30 minutes or less to accomplish
2. Be inexpensive to implement or boast overall, long-haul {health} savings 

3. Focus on improving health/eco-friendliness, being good stewards of our resources and/or fostering a creative and intentional life.

Some weeks, all three will be accomplished in 30 minutes or less!

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Simple Swap: Wrapping Paper

When Hy and I decided to make December "wrapping paper" month, I knew right away I had a drawer full of Christmas gift bags, because those are really easy to save and reuse. We typically do it in our house for all occasions we receive gift bags. 

And while a handful of gift bags is a good start, it won't get this family through the holidays, especially with two young kids who like to be surprised by what is under the tree. 

So I started researching. And after only a few minutes of internet searching, I found an amazing recycled wrapping store company, which, I plan on not only using for all of my Christmas wrapping needs this year, but all future gift wrapping needs throughout the year (birthdays, weddings, showers, etc). 

Their products are made of 100% recycled paper, soy ink and their labels are petroleum free. And that is something I feel better about. Plus, GGGW is commited to protecting and preserving the environment. 10% of their profits will be donated to environmental causes (5% will be donated to the Rainforest Action Network and 5% of the profits will be donated to the Sierra Club). Awesome!

What really impressed me are their prices (compared to some other recycled paper companies out there), which seem identical to what I would pay in the store for the same non-recycled items. So, while this Simple Swap isn't entirely free for me to accomplish, I will end up spending the same amount of money for a much more environment-friendly product. 

And guess what? Green Girl Gift Wrap has graciously offered to sponsor the Simple Swap giveaway this month! The winner, to be chosen on December 16th (to give the winner time to wrap their gifts), will receive all of the following:

(1) pack of Snowman gift wrap

(1) pack of Red Curves Gift Wrap

(1) pack of Red Gift Wrap

(1) pack of Red/Gold Snowflakes

(1) pack of Blue Diamond gift wrap

(1) pack of purple Stripe gift wrap

(1) pack of Wedding gift wrap

(2) Large gift bags

(2) Medium gift bags

(2) Small gift bags

(2) Packs of tissue paper

Can you believe it? Come on you guys, if you have been shy to participate in a Simple Swap so far, this is the month to come out of your shell and be a part of this challenge. Grab your camera, take some pictures of your swap, write about your experience and then link up below to enter this awesome giveaway. 

{No purchase necessary. Giveaway is open to all U.S. residents who are 18 years and older. The link will close on December 15th at 11:59pm and the winner will be selected randomly Dec. 16, 2011 from the link up pool. Green Girl Gift Wrap is only providing the giveaway items; I have not been compensated in any way or gifted with any product to talk about GGGW}.