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Article: Simply-Green-Giving----Book-Review
Many wrapping options are so wasteful these days – much of it cannot even be recycled, like shiny metallic wrapping paper and ribbons. During the research for our book, Trash Talk, we found that North American communities see contributions to the landfill increase by as much as 25% over the most popular gift-giving holidays. This equates to about 25 million additional tones of waste simply from our generosity to one another!
Danny Seo is one of those names that seem to stand out when we think of reuse and the environment. It is no small feet that he has become such a recognized figure. As a young teenager, this young man headed an environmental organization, and as he matured he branched into reaching the masses through his television show, Simply Green with Danny Seo, on radio, through working with Country Home Magazine and four other environmental books that Danny has written.
In his newly released, Simply Green Giving, Danny provides environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional wasteful and expensive wrapping. His frugal techniques will help families and communities by reducing the costs of gift giving. Those who enjoy crafts will love to play with the ideas in this book.
His wrapping ideas involve using things found in nature and reusing items commonly found around the home. Dryer sheets, greeting cards, business cards, electrical and fabric tapes, world globes, vases, paper bags, coffee cans, old silk flowers and plants, fragrance strips and belts are some of the reuse ideas he shares.
If you are imagining an ugly package, don’t – this man has creatively used these items to make stunning and beautiful gifts. Some of the wrapping ideas are actually part of the gift itself, such as wrapping a bottle of wine in a lovely scarf. Danny also encourages frequenting thrift shops to find the perfect item to top off your gift. This one act alone can help support retailers that are making a real difference in reducing the amount of waste heading for the landfill. At the same time, one can save a lot of cash by following these ideas.
Tucked neatly here and there in the book, are interesting facts. For instance, did you know that cellophane is safely composted in only 30 days and is derived from tree pulp? I sure didn’t. The author also includes advice for raising green kids and a list of charities he truly believes in.
Buy this book. You won’t regret the cost – in fact, you will likely regain it in the savings you’ll experience if you follow Danny’s advice. Being hardcover, it will be able to endure many years of use. For other festivity ideas, check out his first book of this series, Simply Green Parties.
Author: Danny Seo
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: 0-06-112277-7
~ Book Reviewer: Lillian Brummet - Co-author of the book Trash Talk, a guide for anyone concerned about his or her impact on the environment – Author of Towards Understanding, a collection of poetry. (www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit)
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