Boxes, bags, cards and paper; the holiday season can sometimes generate twice the amount of garbage we usually throw away. But with a little creativity, Chicagoans can transform their holiday trash into treasures while at the same time, saving a buck or two.

The Nature Museum offers a variety of ways people can recycle the holiday trimmings into gifts or decorations for seasons to come.

It's a wrap.
Create unique colorful art pieces at home using scraps of wrapping paper. Check out the Eco-Friendly Holidays program at the Nature Museum Dec. 26 - 31 and January 2 - 4, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., where you can bring in used wrapping paper to create mosaic masterpieces, decorative murals, gift boxes, ornaments and more.

Trim it.
Recycle your Christmas tree through the city of Chicago's tree recycling program. Simply drop off your tree at more than 20 participating sites including outside of the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum at Cannon Dr. & Fullerton. For more information, visit Chicago Department of Environment.

Cut it out.
Don't let holiday cards from loved ones go to waste. Select your favorite designs and photos to create beautiful tags for next year's gifts. These colorful, personal creations also make for excellent ornaments.

Bag it and Bow it.
Most gift bags today are sturdy and as easy to recycle as all your wrapping paper. Save bags for future gifts or use them as a disposable recycling catch-all. Reuse holiday ribbons for next year's gifts, holiday decorations or napkin rings.
 

For more information and advice, visit Peggy Notebaert Museum or call 773-755-5100.