Wrapsacks are a reusable alternative to disposable paper gift wrap. This paper-based industry generates sales of $5.1 billion per year and an equivalent amount of waste. Although it is good to see more recycled paper options, these also require resources for processing. Precycling or reusing is the best choice.

1. Reusing uses less energy and is less taxing on the environment. When you avoid making garbage by reusing, you don't have to worry about disposing of waste or recycling.

2. There is a limit to recycling - every time paper is processed or recycled, it breaks down the fibers. The fibers eventually become too small and can no longer be used and become waste for landfills.

3. Recycling process requires water, chemicals, and chlorine or bleaching agents.

4. Chlorine is a major source of the carcinogen dioxin. Dioxin is known to cause cancer, liver failure, miscarriage, birth defects and genetic damage.

5. The paper industry is the 3rd largest industrial polluter in the USA & Canada, releasing 220 million pounds of toxic pollution into the air, ground and water annually.

6. Three million tons of chlorine is used annually to bleach pulp & paper fibers. Chlorine requires vast amounts of water - it takes 10.2 gallons of water to produce a 6 1/2 oz. paper booklet .