...to feel sad that MIL has wrapped presents in glitter paper?

[somehowsunshine]

Can't recycle it. She knows we try really hard to recycle. We are always finding recyclable plastic in her general waste bin. My DH and I will have to bite our tongues on Xmas day as we scrunch the glitter paper into the bin. I know my husband will want to say something but it will make MIL feel bad and make us look ungrateful. I can't stand glitter!

It’s one day. A few presents. YABU

It's so unnecessary though. Normal wrapping paper can go into the recycling bin.

I think you both need to take a step back and remember that although recycling is important to you, it’s obviously isn’t to your mil.

It’s not ideal, but it’s certainly not worth souring the pleasure of giving and receiving gifts because you don’t like the wrapping paper.

You are not unreasonable to be sad but that’s it, you are unreasonable if you expect everyone to think as you do.

It's annoying but she probably doesn't realise it can't be recycled and didn't occur to her

YABU, and a massive hypocrite. Your children are more environmentally damaging to the environment than some glitter paper.

Sad seems a bit much. As pp said its only a few presents let it go, don't say anything on Christmas Day to her about it, the last thing you want is people falling out/getting upset.

Is she even aware its not recyclable she probably just thinks it looks good.

You've probably got Christmas cards you won't be able to recycle either its just unfortunate but not worth getting upset about

@Shmithecat2

YABU, and a massive hypocrite. Your children are more environmentally damaging to the environment than some glitter paper.

Not helpful.

I feel the same but I keep it inside and remind myself that I also do wasteful things that can be avoided.
Many people are unaware of how shiny wrap can't be recycled.

You're not unreasonable to feel sad, but yabvu to poke about in your MIL waste bin!

Get a grip!!

She probably doesn't know it's not recycleable, or it slipped her mind when she bought it. You could tell her it's a shame to throw away such lovely paper even if it's used and she should take the remains home with her. Still wasteful, as she probably won't reuse it, but at least it's not in your bin.

I'm with you. You won't be able to buy it any more soon so this may well be the last year

I always reuse paper,glitter or not. I've never scrunched it up and wasted it . Use it for wrapping,covering boxes or books,for cards,decoupage etc etc. When it really comes to the end of its useful life, I use it to wrap noxious or sharp things that are not recyclable and have to go in the general waste. This saves on the wastefulness of having to wash out the wheelie bin.

We can’t recycle normal wrapping paper here, I assumed it was the same everywhere? Isn’t that why people use brown paper? Just take it off carefully and reuse if you want to be eco friendly?

Yes get a grip! If that's all you have to worry about you're bloody lucky.

Yes, a bit. You're entitled to your feelings though.

Can I ask what you worry about regarding not recycling it? Is there something you worry will happen from throwing away wrapping paper?

I think I'll try to reuse the paper and save it in my presents bag. That's a good idea.

You must be sad all the time then. As PP said, reuse the paper. Even if it's crafts for the kids.

Could you not save the wrapping paper and use it in craft/art activities?

Ooh, great minds, bonfire! 6yo me would have loved some glittery paper for craft!

Well, instead of shoving the glitter paper in the bin, you could recycle it for future gifts. I think YABU for nosing in your MILs bin.

Hopefully one of the glitter wrapped presents is a grip.

I use brown paper for all my gifts (and reused ribbons). Thankfully the shiny stuff from others adds a bit of colour?!

@Shmithecat2

YABU, and a massive hypocrite. Your children are more environmentally damaging to the environment than some glitter paper.

🙄