'Tis the season to reduce, reuse and save

It’s almost Christmas! Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? I usually do mine online because I find more sales online compared to in stores. The downside of online shopping is the packaging waste it creates (packing peanuts, bubble wrap, boxes, etc.). Consolidating all items into a single package can reduce this waste, but only if the order is coming from one store, and often that only happens if a person makes a special request to combine items for shipping.

This year, I am replacing little knick-knacks that I usually order online with a couple of gift ideas that don’t create extra waste, require minimal crafting skills and cost less than $6. I would love for you to try them too! Of course, there are other wasteless options available within various budgets: gift cards, tickets to movies and other experiences. Check out the Wasteless Gift Guide post for more ideas.

1. Potted plants

These small plants are not only very cute, they are also low maintenance and air-purifying. Although they may not be as Christmassy as poinsettias (which don’t always last long), the pots can easily be decorated with ribbons or fabrics to make them look more festive. You can paint the pots, write a cute message, or make a Christmas terrarium.  Let your creativity work!

I got these succulents at Ikea for $4.99.

2. Secondhand books

Some people frown on the idea of regifting, but there are certain items that are perfect for enjoying then passing on, like books. Books are timeless and their contents never get old. Even if a book looks a little worn out on the outside, the inside will be brand new to a person who hasn’t read it yet! Plus, there are many secondhand books out there that look brand new. All that is required is some cute fabric wrap and you are set.

The Reuse Centre has many books to choose from. If you’re looking for another great option, the Edmonton Public Library has a Books2Buy event coming up on December 14 and 15 at the Enterprise Square location downtown. 

Books2Buy is a regular event where the library sells excess inventory of books, audiobooks, CDs and more at discounted prices. You can get kids’ books and paperbacks for just a dollar! See complete pricing at the Edmonton Public Library website. 

At a previous Books2Buy event, I was able to fill up this box with 27 fairly new books for $10. Amazing, right?

So there you go. Just a couple of affordable and sustainable gift ideas for you to try. Remember, it's the thought that counts! 

Finally,  because we all like to save money at this time of year I wanted to share about a free app called Flashfood. It helps you find local stores selling discounted items that are close to their expiry or best before dates. This food is safe to eat and tastes great. Hopefully more grocery stores will start using the app, as it reduces avoidable food waste and helps budget-conscious consumers find food at reduced prices. Definitely worth trying this season while planning for the celebrations with friends and families that will involve food! 

Well, that's it for now. Enjoy your holidays!

Photos and Submission by Mariz (Volunteer) 

Happy International Volunteer Day

International Volunteer Day (IVD), is a day of observance set by the United Nations. It was first established in 1985 and since then has been recognized globally as an opportunity for us all, “to promote volunteerism, encourage governments to support volunteer efforts and recognize volunteer contributions at local, national and international levels.”

The theme chosen to mark this year is, "Volunteer for an inclusive future", highlighting the impact that volunteers have in promoting greater inclusion throughout our communities.

The United Nations explains this theme well, “Volunteering provides opportunities for people, particularly those often excluded, to concretely impact their own lives and play a constructive role in their communities by volunteering their time and skills. Through volunteerism, communities around the world often experience strengthened solidarity and inclusion.”

The City of Edmonton encourages staff and facilities to be inclusive environments that provide equitable access to resources and opportunities for all. The Diversity & Inclusion Framework guides this effort throughout our city as we collectively work together to achieve our societal goals. If you want to learn more about this, consider registering here for an event on December 10th to celebrate the launch of the City’s new framework.

The Reuse Centre strives to create an inclusive space for City of Edmonton residents to donate and purchase reusable items and learn about reducing waste through reuse. We all create waste and we all play an important role in being responsible with the waste we create. The Reuse Centre benefits from the work of Volunteer Sorters, Event Assistants and Bloggers. All of our volunteers contribute in different ways; they bring a variety of skills, abilities, and personality with them in fulfilling these roles. At the Reuse Centre, inclusion means that as we all contribute to the mission of diverting waste from landfill and promoting the benefits of reuse to others, and we all share in the continued success of a more sustainable community. Recently, customers and Waste Services staff have recognized the efforts of our volunteers with thank you messages.

Reuse Centre staff sharing a note of thanks

Notes of thanks written by customers

Waste Services staff shares a note of thanks

Jayne (Customer) poses to share a note of thanks

If you are interested in volunteering at the Reuse Centre, view our opportunities here. Want to contribute to our inclusive mission, but don’t want to volunteer? That’s okay too, have a look at our list of accepted items and start collecting some in your home today. Simply bring your collected items along with you on your next trip to an Eco Station or the Reuse Centre.

If you volunteer elsewhere locally, nationally or globally, thank you! 

Submission by Andrea (staff)