Tis' the Season for a Wasteless Christmas

The holiday season is in full swing as the Christmas carols are playing and the smell of gingerbread is in the air. There are many festivities to enjoy with an ample amount of food, decorations, gifts and more. Yet with the holiday season, comes more waste.

Did you know that the Edmonton Waste Management Centre receives increased volumes of waste over the holidays. Household waste doubles in the weeks following December 25. Now that's a lot of waste! We may love the holiday season, but how can we reduce our waste?

Here are some changes that you can make this holiday season to decrease your waste. Don't forget to share this information with your family and friends, so that we can all work together to reduce our holiday waste.

1. Waste-friendly gifts

Still need some last minute gift ideas? You may not have time to upcycle reusable materials into a unique gift; however, you can still give waste-friendly gifts that are easy and affordable. Why not give experiences such as movie tickets, attraction passes, workout classes, theatre tickets or a gift certificate for a dinner for two. 

Another option is to donate your time and skills as a gift. Maybe you can gift house renovations, a resume consultation, pet sitting or even child minding services.

2. Waste-smart gift wrapping

Why not wrap your gifts using reusable materials. This can include scarves, tea towels, blankets, magazines, newspaper and more! Be creative in your wrapping by re-purposing materials to reduce wrapping waste this year.

3. Decorate for lasting memories 

If you are feeling crafty and have the time, making your own holiday decorations out of recycled materials is a great way to reuse. The Reuse Centre has plenty of materials to choose from. You can follow us on Facebook for some creative ideas.

If you don't have the time to create your own upcycled holiday decorations, try to buy quality decorations that will last from year to year. For low prices and a varied selection, visit the Reuse Centre.

Have any unwanted holiday decorations? Donate them to the Reuse Centre or a local charity.

In addition to seasonal decor, the Reuse Centre accepts artificial Christmas trees.

Did you know that the City collects natural Christmas trees? Pickup begins January 9, 2018. Visit edmonton.ca/christmastrees for more information.

4. Plan your festive feasts

The holidays are the time of year when we gather with friends and family to enjoy the best this season has to offer - Christmas dinner!

When planning your meal, check your cupboards before hitting the grocery store to avoid buying too much.

Plan to store and use your holiday leftovers. One way to deal with extra leftovers is to ask guests to bring their own container to take leftovers home.

Donating any unopened treats to a local charity is a great way to reduce food waste and support the community.

5. Waste sorting

Even if we make a conscious effort to reduce our waste, most of us usually have waste items for disposal after the holidays. It is important to put that waste in the right place, so it can be collected and processed properly.

If placed in the garbage, long, stringy things like Christmas lights can get tangled it the processing equipment at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre, resulting in serious damage or even plant shut downs. These items, and anything with an electrical cord or battery, should go to your nearest Eco Station.

Another confusing item is wrapping paper. While plain wrapping paper can be placed in your blue bag, foil wrapping paper cannot be recycled. Metallic/foil wrapping paper goes in the garbage, or if the pieces are in good condition, bring them to the Reuse Centre! 

To learn more about what goes where, download the WasteWise app or visit edmonton.ca/wastelessholidays