Phoenix-based U-Haul is doing its bit to help gift-givers – and save the environment – with a free box program at its stores.

Here’s the pertinent part of U-Haul’s press release:

U-Haul invites you to give the environment a present this holiday season by making your moving, shipping or packing boxes…or boxes your gifts came in…available for reuse by others who need them.

U-Haul, a leading retailer of moving and storage boxes and packing supplies in North America, makes it easy to go “green” this season with its Take a Box/Leave a Box Program and the U-Haul Box Exchange, both of which are geared toward helping customers save money while protecting the environment.

A Take a Box/Leave a Box display has been set up at U-Haul facilities throughout North America. The program enables customers to return their reusable boxes and allow other customers to take them as needed — FREE.

So after unwrapping presents this Christmas, instead of throwing your reusable boxes into the recycle bin, now you can drop them off at the nearest U-Haul location and allow another family to reuse the box, free of charge. After all, reuse always beats recycling.

“This will be our second Christmas promoting these two sustainability initiatives. Last year our programs were very well received and, because we have maintained these services throughout the year, we are excited to see the growth in participation this holiday season,” enthused Bob Wesson, vice president of U-Haul Center Sales and Operations Support. “Whether it’s computer boxes or boxes for big-screen TVs, these are what many of our customers are looking for to pack up for moving or storage. We know that U-Haul customers want to save money, but this way they are not just saving money; they are helping to save our environment by utilizing free boxes instead of purchasing new boxes. With every reuse of a box, you not only keep a new box from being manufactured, you also reduce the emissions and costs associated with the recycling process. U-Haul boxes are built strong to protect our customers’ personal possessions while moving or in storage and they can be used again and again, affording our customers the opportunity to help the environment.”

The Take a Box/Leave a Box Program goes hand in hand with the U-Haul Box-Exchange Program that allows U-Haul customers to log on to www.uhaul.com/boxexchange to post their available boxes, for free or for a fee, or to review messages from individuals in their area who are offering reusable boxes.

To learn more about U-Haul sustainability practices, log on to uhaul.com/sustainability