As kids (and grownups) tear into wrapping paper to discover gifts, encourage them to recycle, reduce and reuse that leftover gift paper. An easy way to reuse wrapping paper is through arts and crafts. Put leftover paper in a large bin or bag. After the festivities are over, pull out that bag or bin and encourage the kids to think of creative ways to utilize the wrapping paper around the house. To get you started, here are a few suggestions:

• Thank-you cards are always a good idea. Get a blank card or white piece of construction paper and decorate the outside of the card with leftover wrapping paper.

• If the gift paper is salvageable, reuse it next year. Small sections of wrapping paper can be used for small presents.

BENEFIT SHOWS RETURN IN APRIL 2010

The Kokua Festival — and Jack Johnson — will be back April 23-24, 2010, after a one-year hiatus. But if you want tickets, you'd better stay posted: In 2008, the festival's Waikíkí Shell shows reportedly sold out in 20 minutes. To be among the first to see the event's lineup and ticket links, go to www.kokuahawaiifoundation.org and sign up for the mailing list, or connect through Facebook, Twitter and MySpace.

The Kokua Hawai'i Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports environmental education in Hawai'i's schools and communities. Pop singer/ North Shore resident Johnson headlines.

— Maureen O'Connell