On November 3, Amazon launched a new initiative they're calling "Frustration-free Packaging." Just in time for the holidays, the new packaging is designed to reduce the stress of getting open packages as well as reduce the amount of packaging. Who hasn't experienced those plastic clam-shell packages that provided the ultimate in frustration as well as close-encounters with severed fingers, or the children's toys with dozens of twistie ties, each holding a single plastic part in place?

The first product to get this packaging makeover is the Fisher-Price Imaginext Adventures Pirate Ship. Amazon now offers eighteen other products and hopes to add to this list as they continue to work with various companies.

It's a great idea that should have been realized a long time ago and we hope that many companies jump on board quickly.

With the holiday season approaching, there are many ways that we can also reduce the packaging we use when we are wrapping gifts or sending packages.

• Instead of using wrapping paper which is most likely not going to be reused, wrap your gift in a gift bag to encourage reuse.


• Use fabric to wrap your gift. In Japan, people use what is called a furoshiki to wrap as well as carry items. Furoshikis come in many beautiful colors and patterns. Check out thisInstructables article to see some ways to use a furoshiki. Your wrapping paper becomes an additional gift!


• If you have an old VHS tape lying around that you no longer need, open it up and use the tape as ribbon. You can even curl it! This idea is featured in Danny Seo's book Simply Green Giving.


• Reuse cereal boxes, shoe boxes, large plastic yogurt containers and other packaging when you need to put your gifts into a container instead of purchasing a new box.


• The comic section of the newspaper has been a wrapping paper stand-in for many years. Some people may not like this idea because the ink gets on your hands. Instead of the newspaper, wrap gifts with old calendar pages, magazine pages (if you present is small), old maps or drawings done by your child. Wrap your gift in a brown paper bag and have your kids decorate it with markers or stamps.


• Instead of standard tape, which is often petroleum-based, use glue, twine or wool yarn to hold together packages.


• Purchase wrapping paper made from recycled material such as these gorgeous prints from Green Field Paper that are made from recycled paper and soy-based inks or Fish Lips Designs for more beautifully printed recycled wrapping paper.

There are lots of creative ideas out there when it comes to wrapping gifts that is greener than the traditional wrapping paper and ribbon. If you have any to share, comment below so we can all go a little greener this holiday season!