Spending quality time with loved ones, giving experiences as presents and supporting local shops that offer long lasting, high-quality gifts are thoughtful and low-waste ways to show others you care this holiday season.
There are a multitude of ways Metro Vancouver residents can use less and dispose of waste properly this holiday season.
When Gift-Giving:
Giving presents that last (like kitchen ware and camping gear) or experience-based gifts (like passes to a yoga class) can reduce waste during and after the holiday season. Also consider wrapping gifts in newspaper, old maps, or fabric. More than 200 low-waste gift ideas in any price range can be found on the Merry Maker app.
When Cooking:
Remember that turkey fat and other fats, oils, and greases should not go down the drain — they can cause clogged pipes resulting in costly repairs. Instead, properly dispose of fats, oils, and greases by scraping small amounts into your green bin before washing the dishes, or by taking large amounts, like deep fryer oil, to a recycling depot.
Wondering what to do with all those leftovers? Filling the freezer, making soup and preserving are just some creative ways to prevent food waste.
