In our callout for greener gifting ideas, some readers suggested gift certificates for things like a show, a restaurant or, more traditionally, a store. Gift cards can be a great last-minute option, and they're very popular — in fact, they were the most popular holiday gift in a recent online survey of Canadians, more than half of whom planned to buy gift cards for their loved ones. But they, too, have an environmental impact. Many gift cards are made of PVC plastic, which is hard to recycle and isn't accepted by most recycling systems. While they're small and slim, their popularity means they add up — in 2014, two billion gift cards were purchased in the U.S. alone, according to an estimate by the consulting firm A.T. Kearney. Giftrocket, a company that offers e-gift cards, estimates that each physical card contains about five grams of PVC and generates 21 grams of CO2. That means in total, gift cards created 10,000 tonnes of PVC waste and 42,000 tonnes of CO2 in the U.S. alone in 2014. So, what to do? Here are some options: If you really want to recycle gift cards after using them and have a way of collecting a big volume, they can be recycled by a company named Terracycle, which specializes in recycling materials that normally aren't recyclable. The company charges $91 to recycle a "small" box (25 x 25 x 46 centimetres) full of plastic cards. Some Canadian municipalities — for example, Strathcona in Alberta and Niagara Region in Ontario — allow people to drop off spent gift cards at certain depots for recycling. (The Municipality of Strathcona uses Terracycle as its gift card recycler.) Whatever you choose to do, think about what the gift card or certificate can be used to buy — the environmental impact of that purchase is probably much bigger than that of the card itself. — Emily Chung

In our callout for greener gifting ideas, some readers suggested gift certificates for things like a show, a restaurant or, more traditionally, a store. Gift cards can be a great last-minute option, and they're very popular — in fact, they were the most popular holiday gift in a recent online survey of Canadians, more than half of whom planned to buy gift cards for their loved ones. But they, too, have an environmental impact. Many gift cards are made of PVC plastic, which is hard to recycle and isn't accepted by most recycling systems. While they're small and slim, their popularity means they add up — in 2014, two billion gift cards were purchased in the U.S. alone, according to an estimate by the consulting firm A.T. Kearney. Giftrocket, a company that offers e-gift cards, estimates that each physical card contains about five grams of PVC and generates 21 grams of CO2. That means in total, gift cards created 10,000 tonnes of PVC waste and 42,000 tonnes of CO2 in the U.S. alone in 2014. So, what to do? Here are some options: If you really want to recycle gift cards after using them and have a way of collecting a big volume, they can be recycled by a company named Terracycle, which specializes in recycling materials that normally aren't recyclable. The company charges $91 to recycle a "small" box (25 x 25 x 46 centimetres) full of plastic cards. Some Canadian municipalities — for example, Strathcona in Alberta and Niagara Region in Ontario — allow people to drop off spent gift cards at certain depots for recycling. (The Municipality of Strathcona uses Terracycle as its gift card recycler.) Whatever you choose to do, think about what the gift card or certificate can be used to buy — the environmental impact of that purchase is probably much bigger than that of the card itself. — Emily Chung

In our callout for greener gifting ideas, some readers suggested gift certificates for things like a show, a restaurant or, more traditionally, a store. Gift cards can be a great last-minute option, and they're very popular — in fact, they were the most popular holiday gift in a recent online survey of Canadians, more than half of whom planned to buy gift cards for their loved ones. But they, too, have an environmental impact. Many gift cards are made of PVC plastic, which is hard to recycle and isn't accepted by most recycling systems. While they're small and slim, their popularity means they add up — in 2014, two billion gift cards were purchased in the U.S. alone, according to an estimate by the consulting firm A.T. Kearney. Giftrocket, a company that offers e-gift cards, estimates that each physical card contains about five grams of PVC and generates 21 grams of CO2. That means in total, gift cards created 10,000 tonnes of PVC waste and 42,000 tonnes of CO2 in the U.S. alone in 2014. So, what to do? Here are some options:

• Some retailers, like Starbucks and Whole Foods, offer recyclable cardboard gift cards (see above photo).
• Many others offer gift cards that can be printed onto a sheet of paper.
• E-gift cards can be sent via email and printed out or redeemed online or from your phone.
• Some small businesses just keep a note of credit that you can redeem when you get to the store.
• If you have a plastic gift card that you've already spent, you can often reload it and re-gift it to someone else.

If you really want to recycle gift cards after using them and have a way of collecting a big volume, they can be recycled by a company named Terracycle, which specializes in recycling materials that normally aren't recyclable. The company charges $91 to recycle a "small" box (25 x 25 x 46 centimetres) full of plastic cards. Some Canadian municipalities — for example, Strathcona in Alberta and Niagara Region in Ontario — allow people to drop off spent gift cards at certain depots for recycling. (The Municipality of Strathcona uses Terracycle as its gift card recycler.) Whatever you choose to do, think about what the gift card or certificate can be used to buy — the environmental impact of that purchase is probably much bigger than that of the card itself. — Emily Chung

Beauty entrepreneur Fran Miller has always been guided by quality, consumer needs, and thoughtful design. “These elements are constantly evolving for me,” she says. Her evolution is made clear now, five years after launching her oil-centric skin-care line F. Miller, as she celebrates the brand’s relaunch. Why a relaunch? “So much is changing in the natural beauty landscape,” she explains, “mostly for the better.” But there is a lot of greenwashing taking place in beauty spaces too. In response, Miller took a year to double-down on finding the most sustainable producers and environmentally friendly packaging, and sourcing things as locally as possible. With the help of U.S.-based recycling company TerraCycle, she also managed to make the F. Miller Toronto studio close to waste-free. “It’s the same but different, I like to say,” she says. The range is still made up of five oils (face, body, eye, hair, and lip balm), but it is the details we don’t see that make all the difference, to us and to Mother Earth.

The chemistry department of Laflèche College has joined the My Ecolabo program, an eco-responsible laboratory program. In fact, the Laflèche College chemistry laboratory has been showing level 1 Ecolabo certification for a few months.   Laboratory users have already implemented several targeted eco-responsible actions to ensure the maintenance and progression of the certification levels of the program: reduction of electricity consumption, recycling of materials and latex gloves through programs such as Terracycle, replacement of toxic products with ecological substitutes, etc. In addition, membership in the Ecolabo program is reflected in the educational component since the teaching of the eco-responsible and ecological vision is now also done in the classroom.   Orchestrated by a team of eco-leader volunteers from the University of Montreal, the My Ecolabo program aims, a priori, to raise awareness and present the benefits of eco-responsible laboratory practices and to improve laboratory management to make them more sustainable. Through concrete actions, members of the Écolabo program undertake to reduce the ecological impact of the laboratory's activities.

For the last several years L Brands’ Bath & Body Works division, with just over 1,700 North American stores, has been its shining star. While its flagship, Victoria’s Secret has experienced steep declines, with revenues down 6.5% year-to-date, Bath and Body Works is up 11.8%.   Still small compared with Victoria’s Secret—$3 billion in year-to-date sales compared with $4.5 billion for VS (excluding its international division)—Bath & Body Works is on track to reach upwards of $5 billion for fiscal year 2019 and bring in over 35% of total corporate revenue. The Trefis Team reports that virtually all of L Brands’ incremental revenue growth since 2015 is owing to Bath & Body Works.   At a time when L Brands’ doesn’t need any more competition in the highly contested personal care market, its chief competitor from back in the day, The Body Shop, has found its second wind under its new owner, Brazil-based Natura & Co.   As its name implies, Natura is a natural personal care company founded on principles of sustainability and “clean beauty.” It hits the sweet spot in personal care today, estimated to be a $13.3 billion global market in 2018 with projections it will achieve 9.4% CAGR from 2019-2025 to reach $25 billion.   For many years Bath & Body Works didn’t have to worry about The Body Shop, which lost its footing under L’Oreal’s ownership after it bought the brand in 2006 only to sell it off to Natura in 2017. But in Bath & Body Works’ early days, The Body Shop was its chief rival.   Rumor has it that Bath & Body Works was started in 1990 as a knockoff of The Body Shop with look-alike logo and packaging. The Body Shop followed with a lawsuit, which it won, so Bath & Body Works adopted its gingham-themed Heartland Era branding that lasted through 2002 when it updated again.   Though Bath & Body Works copied The Body Shop’s style, it didn’t copy its spirit, which was based on sustainability, natural, and ethically sourced ingredients. Founded in 1976 by the late environmental and human rights activist Dame Anita Roddick, The Body Shop was early to natural beauty. It was one of the first beauty companies to ban animal testing and it led in Fair Trade practices in the beauty business.   Recently, Bath & Body Works adopted The Body Shop’s animal cruelty position, but not much else. A search on its website yields no hits on the term “Organic” and “Natural” yields a handful of products containing essential oils. Bath & Body Works did not respond to my request for comment.  

The Body Shop goes back to the future

  For The Body Shop, the period from 2006-2017 under L’Oreal were its dark ages. Roddick passed away only a year after L’Oreal took over and The Body Shop didn’t fit nicely under the corporate umbrella. U.K.-based retail analyst Richard Hyman was quoted by the BBC saying, “Frankly it’s a bit of mystery them [L’Oreal] buying it in the first place. What they bought is a retailer, and what they’re good at is brands.”   Now under Natura, The Body Shop has an owner that understands the brand’s DNA and can capitalize on it. “With Natura we are bringing back the spirit of Anita Roddick and the whole reason she created The Body Shop. It feels like a coming-home party, but we should never have left that home because it’s always who we were and are,” shared Andrea Blieden, The Body Shop’s U.S. general manager who came over from L’Oreal after working as vice president of marketing for Kiehl’s.   “The brand is going back to its roots, after veering off course. We are going back to our brilliant founder’s vision that we should never have departed from,” she continues.   Now customers can experience the reincarnated spirit of the brand in a new concept store on Oxford Street in London, soon to be followed by similar prototype stores in eight cities across the globe over the next 12 to 18 months, including two planned for the U.S.   A prototype store in Los Angeles is slated for second quarter of 2020 and a store in New York will open in late second quarter or early third quarter of 2020. Blieden and team are still working on the details.  

Setting the stage

  Described as an “Activist Makers’ Workshop,” the new prototype store is designed to reflect the zeitgeist of today’s environmental-activist culture. “A key component of our workshop is to give space in the stores to be activists and to educate customers in the community what we stand for and how we support what they stand for too,” Blieden says.   “For example, we are employing plastic waste pickers in India who previously struggled to get a fair wage for their work. We are buying that plastic for a premium price and reusing it in all of our shampoo and conditioner bottles,” she continues.   The Body Shop was just awarded a B Corp certification, which means, “We are a business recognized for putting people and the planet first, not just profit,” she explains.   “All the components of Roddick’s activism, which was rare in the 1980s and 1990s, comes to life in our workshop where we are reusing and repurposing materials that would have been thrown out or wasted,” Blieden continues, explaining that the store’s fixtures are made from such materials, including recycled zinc and reclaimed wood.   Taking center stage in the store is a craftsman’s bench where customers can mix their own shea body butter concoction using spatulas and bowls provided with the resulting product ready to take home in wrapped paper.   “The craftsman idea is important to us because it goes back to The Body Shop roots, where Anita made her lotions and potions in her kitchen,” she says, adding that this hands-on experience allows deeper engagement with the brand, the store staff and among the customers as well. “It gives people a space to experience and test out the product. It is a place to play.” Next to the craftsman’s bench is an activism zone, where customers can sign up and promote their favorite causes and take selfies to share with their friends. For example, the London store has a collection bin for donations to Bloody Good Period, which sends sanitary products to women in need. “Female empowerment is really important to the company,” Blieden adds.   Returning to prominence in the new prototype store is the refill station where customers can personally fill a reusable metal container with the most popular shower gels and creams, with the offerings changing seasonally. This concept was first introduced in 1993, but it was before its time. And besides the refill station, there is also a TerraCycle bin to collect plastic bottles for recycling. Long term, the plan is to convert more of the 1,000 company-owned stores throughout 69 countries to the new model. Or if a full-scale remodel isn’t called for, the company will bring essential elements of the prototype stores into them, like the refilling and plastic recycling station.   “We are trying to build a more sustainable shop for the future,” she says. “We still want customers to get the essence of The Body Shop experience no matter what store they go to.”  

Compare and contrast

  With only about 100 The Body Shop stores in the U.S. compared with 1,600 Bath & Body Works stores, L Brands is probably not too worried right now about The Body Shop cutting into its business. But The Body Shop is leaning aggressively into the future by returning to its past, which was ahead of its time in the 1980s and 1990s, but perfect for today.   Bath & Body Works, like its corporate sister Victoria’s Secret, seems to be stuck in the past. And if L Brands’ past behavior is a predictor of its future behavior, it will be slow to pick up the clues that its gravy train is running out of steam.  

Lisa Knowles, DDS, shares how to create eco-ambiance in the dental office.   Q: Why would anyone want to create eco-ambiance in a dental office?    A: Let’s discuss 2 main reasons. The first reason speaks to a number of people in the United States who are concerned about creating a sustainable planet. According to a report published in 2017 by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, the number of Americans “very worried about global warming” is at a record high. These kinds of beliefs are spurring people to consider their personal impacts on the environment. I fall into this category. I read a lot about the environmental impacts of industries on our Earth. Healthcare choices, mandates, and policies force us to create our fair share of waste. To meet OSHA standards, for example, we generate tons of medical waste that contributes to our landfill usage—from sharps container waste to billions of personal safety disposables like gloves and masks.   We have to create some waste. But, there are ways to reduce our optional waste within our work environments.   There are several categories (with examples) I recommend for consideration when trying to be more eco-friendly:   1. Office Design   Start with ways to save costs on electricity and water usage. By learning more about Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) practices, any office can become more energy conscious. A new build or a remodel can incorporate best practices to enhance an eco design.   2. Dental Materials Selection   Patients want safe dental products in their mouths. Stay abreast of hot topics like BPA in composites and amalgam alternatives. Even though we may feel certain products are safe and pass our evidence-based standards, there are patients who want other options. At the very least, they want someone to explain their risks with our dental materials.   3. Daily Use Product Selection   Choose less plastic when possible. Incorporate things like bamboo utensils and biodegradable cups in a team eating area. Encourage the team to pack a lunch instead of increasing landfill waste with fast food wrappers and containers. Use more cloth towels and washcloths instead of paper towels. Buy laundry detergents with no phosphates to help prevent algal blooms downstream from our offices.   4. Consumption Habits   Do we have to buy it new? Can we reupholster chairs? Can we give our older chairs to a new dentist starting out? Do we need new scrubs every year, or can we use them for 2 years or more? New products require a lot of energy to create.   5. Reconsider Freebie Give Outs   Offer bamboo toothbrushes and silk floss for patients. Skip the plastic bags and use paper bags with stamped logos or don’t even offer a bag. Many of my eco-conscious patients decline the bag.   6. Encourage a Reduce, Re-use, Recycle Culture   Make it easy for people to recycle paper products. Have recycle bins strategically located to remind team members to recycle first before throwing anything away into the trash. Put one in the bathroom, too!   The second reason for creating  eco-ambiance in the dental office focuses on the business benefits of creating such an atmosphere. There are financial benefits for pursuing a target market that buys into sustainability and living more Earth-friendly. Let’s consider Whole Foods Market shoppers. According to a consumer analysis of Whole Foods Market in the International Journal of Latest Engineering and Management Research, Whole Foods Market chose a specific target market to offer groceries and goods. “‘People who bought organic foods in last 6 months: 55% are age 25 to 54, 60% are at least graduates, and 53% have income over $50,000.’ The primary target market is men and women aged 22 to 40 (more women), who care about the sustainability of the earth and prefer all-natural products.” Since 1980, Whole Foods Market increased its number of stores from one to 340. It was sold to Amazon for $13.7 billion in 2017. The eco-shoppers are out there, and they believe in a lifestyle that demands a softer footprint on the earth.   This type of shopping and trust in a grocery store is another reason, I believe, Whole Foods Market faired so well. In the analysis, the process for product selection is explained: “While procuring, the company checks for the authenticity of their suppliers for the raw or the finished products that they procure from. The products go through a strict quality check and then find their way in the Whole Foods Market store.”   In other words, the consumers learn to trust that Whole Foods Market is providing a first line of defense for them when trying to eat organic foods and purchase foods with fewer additives and preservatives. A dental office with an eco-flair can do the same thing. The patients are comforted to know their dental space is less wasteful than others, is screening products for healthier options, and is also choosing to a support a lifestyle that is more conscious—like them. Time is precious, and if someone can help sift out purchase options, it’s helpful for consumers.   As we consider our business strategies in the years to come, it may be wise to incorporate an eco-ambiance into your environment.   CLOSING COMMENTS   Currently, we have to create some waste, but that may not always be the case if more affordable options become available. There is a process right now by TerraCycle to freeze used gloves, decontaminate them, and repurpose them. TerraCycle is a company that helps us recycle almost everything. Yes, it comes with a price, but so does landfill usage and expensive clean-up activities after environmental disasters.   The choices are ours to make with how we want our dental settings to look and feel in the future. The patients will make their choices, too. Many will want an eco-option. Will your space be green enough with the best eco-dental ambiance?   Dr. Knowles received her degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and has been in practice for 20 years. Before opening her practice, Dr. Knowles created her speaking, writing, and consulting business, IntentionalDental Consulting. She speaks and writes to dental professionals around the globe about leadership, overall body health and wellness, and eco-conscious dentistry. She is a Board of Trustees member for the Michigan Dental Association and is on the ADA Council for Government Affairs. She can be reached at intentionaldental@gmail.com.  

If the flight to San Francisco weren’t so damn long (and bumpy af 87% of the time), I’d be going west way more often. And not only because I love catching up with my husband’s side of the family. The Bay Area has become an amazing beauty destination. Over a quick Thanksgiving trip, I lucked out with a few truly spectacular meetings. The day before heading back, I ventured out to Novato to explore the freshly paved retail landscape of Beauty Heroes. After a guided tour, a spontaneous IG live, and sampling roughly 3248 products, I got to lunch and chat all things green beauty with *the* Founder, Jeannie Jarnot, and Kevin Dooley, the brand’s Director of Marketing. P.S. We even snuck in some contraband bubbles to the cafe. Because Holiday Season. If you’re not familiar with Beauty Heroes, the concept began with a monthly subscription box. It may actually be the best monthly beauty box out there. Focused on the clean, green, and non-toxic prestige indie beauty industry spectrum, every box features a full-size Hero product and a deluxe-size Sidekick. Often times, the hero secures an exclusive launch via the Beauty Heroes platform. Having been an ambassador for over a year, I can confidently say that most of my green beauty discoveries wouldn’t have happened without this access. As I stepped out of my uber and raced inside to dodge the rain, I missed the ultimate personal touch: a board welcoming me to the store. Details of this visit hadn’t been confirmed much in advance (family time, weather, etc.) but in true Beauty Heroes fashion, what was planned as a last-minute drive-by was converted effortlessly into a VIP experience. In other words, their approach to customer service is equally impressive as their product selection. A week later, sitting in freezing Connecticut, I find myself reminiscing about the very special Novato afternoon. Plotting a return is at the top of my to-do list. For those who live closer or who may be planning a trip to the Bay Area, I’m hoping my personal highlights will be helpful. What started as a checklist that helped me gather my thoughts quickly turned into 8 Reasons You Should Visit The Beauty Heroes Store in Novato, CA. Enjoy.

1: THE GOODS!

The store is a clean beauty shopping mecca. Shelves along the walls display gorgeously merchandised collections and are organized by brand or self-care category. On the floor, spacious table counters are tempting with impeccably arranged makeup items to test and admire. There is even a special Handsome Heroes section with low-key non-intimidating picks to help guys explore the clean grooming space. In addition to gold industry standards such as Josh Rosebrook or Laurel, the store makes a conscious (and phenomenal) effort to introduce smaller, lesser-known brands that are entering the indie beauty space. Set aside a solid hour for browsing through this treasure hunt.

2: THE FLIGHT BAR

It wasn’t only the champagne cork stools that caught my attention. Or the actual bar counter. Ok, maybe. Positioned by the check-out area, the space offers ‘flights’ of skincare or makeup. If you’re not familiar with the term, a flight is a ‘tasting’ with a goal of discovering a favorite. I believe there were four stations, two featuring Honua Skincare (which is this month’s Discovery) and two with curated options of a red lip ‘flight’ to help you find that perfect shade of festive for the holidays. It’s an excellent way to experience a particular brand or product category. Because not everything is for everyone. It’s, like, common knowledge, Romy. 

3: MONTHLY DISCOVERY FEATURE

Worthy of its own display, the current month’s Beauty Discovery is featured for non-subscribers to explore. Whether you’re shy or afraid of committing to delivery each month, you can experience the latest selection right in the store. And if you like it, you can sign up for your very own surprise delivery on the spot. After you do, you’ll receive 15% off everything in the store (ok fine, there are two brand exclusions but still) every time you shop. This very special member perk also applies to shopping online.

4: THE TREATMENT ROOM

There is a hidden gem of a treatment room upstairs and you want in. I was ecstatic to see Beauty Heroes offer its very own menu of skincare and makeup services. The makeup station is downstairs, and Carolina (Ciao, Bella! Come stai?) is the resident makeup artist supreme-o. Above the retail space, there is a quaint, spa treatment room where you can experience the glow-boosting magic of high-performing clean beauty during a 30-, 60- or 90-minute zen break. Beauty Heroes is the first place to offer The Josh, an exclusive protocol of Josh Rosebrook formulas expertly tailored to address your complexion concerns. Other options include Hero Worship, Hawaii Five-O, Radiant Fox, and The Ceremony.

5: THE MINIS

I’m willing to admit to having a travel-sized product fetish but I am also willing to bet there are a lot of us out there. The TSA-friendly selection here is superb. Not limited to in-flight essentials, the minis make for the perfect gym bag or Dopp kit staples. My eye longingly gazed over some personal favorites like Ayuna’s cream II  or Ranavat’s Jasmine Tonique. Since the focus is on discovery at Beauty Heroes, I was thrilled to be introduced (thank you, Jeannie!) to a new find from Lucky Teeth. I am now the proud owner and user of a super chic organic dental floss.

6: TRY IT ON

Right by the relaxing lounge area and next to the makeup application station, you can indulge sink side in a full-on skincare routine. Mention which products you’re tempted by and try them out at a Beauty Heroes vanity. Grab a washcloth, get your cleanser, mask or moisturizer on, and admire the glow in the selfie-ready mirror. Or just linger there casually without looking creepy and find a reason to wash your hands because that LILFOX Orange Blossom Ylang Bang hand wash is divine.

7: BRING YOUR RECYCLABLES

I hadn’t heard about TerraCycle (mea culpa) so Jeannie gave me a quick tutorial. I was beyond impressed. In order to minimize the impact of our product usage on the environment, the system adopts specific recycling guidelines. This way difficult-to-recycle items get the proper treatment and a second chance around. Bring your empty product containers, toothbrushes, razors, even baby food pouches, as each category of product is disposed of in its own bin. TerraCycle and its recently launched Loop initiative encourage us to change our way of consuming products to generate zero waste.

8: GET ON THE EMAIL LIST!

The Beauty Heroes newsletter tops the list of least intrusive updates in my inbox. In addition to announcing their monthly discovery, they are amazing at curating limited editions or seasonal offers at very attractive price points. Since the retail location is focused on developing and nurturing the green beauty community, Jeannie invites brand founders to participate in intimate in-store events. Whether a panel, Q & A, or meet & greet, you’ll get the story behind each brand and experience their formulas first hand. Did I mention that there are drinks involved? I mean they do carry The Beauty Chef but we’re like almost in Wine Country. Beauty Heroes is located at 817 Grant Avenue in Novato, CA 94945 and is open 7 days a week. For hours and more info check out their Facebook page. And if you’re nowhere near but want to receive your monthly discovery, sign up at beauty-heroes.com.  

Shopping season is officially underway in Teton Valley as locals and visitors alike search for holiday presents, food to feed extended family, and winter sports gear. All this shopping adds up to increased waste: according the US EPA about 25 percent more waste is generated in the month of December.   To counter waste this holiday season, Teton Valley Community Recycling is hosting a free, self-serve gift wrapping station at the Teton Geo Center located in the Driggs City Center. Drop off extra gift boxes, wrapping paper, or holiday cards. We’ll also take tree ornaments or unwanted 2020 calendars! (No bubble wrap or garbage, please.)   Got gifts to wrap or ship? Come in and reuse the materials dropped off by others to cut down on your holiday waste and expense. The wrapping station is located in the area that is open 24-hours a day. While you are there, check out our Recycling Education Center!   Contact Iris at tetonrecycling@gmail.com or 208-557-1193 if you have any questions.   Low Waste Holiday Wrapping Tips and Tricks   1. Use newspaper, kids’ art or other recycled paper to wrap your gifts. Most commercial packaging and wrapping paper cannot be recycled at the transfer station. Save bows, ribbons, and large pieces of wrapping paper for future gifts.   2. Save bubble wrap for next year, donate it to a local artist, Peak Printing, save it for a Trashion outfit at next year's Trash Bash, or pop the bubbles and recycle it with your plastic bags curbside with RAD or bring to Jackson for recycling (NOTE: Plastic bags and bubble wrap should be consolidated into one plastic bag and NOT intermingled with the rest of the recycling in your RAD bin.)   3. If new electronics were a part of your holiday, make sure you recycle your old electronics and batteries (free!) at the Transfer Station.