Create Memories, Not Waste

Tricks and tips on how to reduce waste during the holiday season.

The holiday season is a special time. We search for the perfect gifts for loved ones, wrap them, decorate, and celebrate with food, drink and endless cheer.

While traditions are important, it’s also important to be mindful of our waste during the holiday season. Did you know Edmonton household garbage nearly doubles during this time of year?

“There are so many gifts to give that don’t produce garbage,” says Rodney Al, Master Composter Recycler Program Coordinator. “I encourage people to consider less wrapping and more reduction.”

This year, try giving the gift of experience. Take in a concert with a friend, sign you and a loved one up for a cooking class, or enjoy a dinner out, your treat! You can even gift someone an annual subscription to a streaming service or consider donating your skills or time to the recipient’s favourite charity.

Not in to giving experiences? Embrace your skills and come up with something creative like crocheted mittens, a scarf or blanket. Another great gift is food or baked goods. Bake your loved one some cookies or gift your friends a jar of homemade salsa or jelly. Homemade gifts and food are always more personal and sentimental.

If you plan to give a gift that requires wrapping, try to make the wrapping part of the gift. Wrap the gift in a nice scarf, bandana, kitchen towel or shawl. You can also use scrap fabric leftovers from other projects or find some at the Reuse Centre or a local thrift store.

Lastly, donate holiday items you no longer need to the Reuse Centre, or purchase as many holiday items as you need for only $5 (up to 25 kg) including artificial trees, decorations and gift wrap.

Be sure to share your favourite holiday waste reduction tip on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, using the hashtag #WastelessHolidays, and you could win 1 of 10 wasteless prizes.

Visit edmonton.ca/wastelessholidays