Creating a plan is a great way to reduce waste when it comes to gifts and parties.

Gift giving: if it’s part of your family’s tradition plan ahead by starting a list of gift ideas and listen for hints throughout the year. If it doesn’t feel to forward, ask what they would like for a gift, or maybe someone who knows them well. Also, if you aren’t sure, plan to get gift receipts, this way if the gift doesn’t sleigh, it won’t go to waste.

Planning on hosting a party?

Start your plan with checking your pantry – take the guess work out of what you actually need.

Pick out recipes that use the whole vegetable, like carrots – their leafy tops make a great addition when creating soup stock.

Write out your plan and stick to it!

Plan for decorations that are recyclable. See bonus tips below for paper decor that’s recyclable at a local depot (or in your blue bin if you live in the District of Sechelt or in the shíshálh Nation Government District) and in some cases you might be able to make them yourself from supplies on hand.

Santa makes a list and so should you because following a list is the easiest way to stick to your plan to reduce waste.

Grocery shopping is so much easier when you have a list. Buy only what’s on the list to help reduce the chances of food going to waste. Visit our webpage dedicated to reducing food waste for more at www.scrd.ca/reduce-food-waste.

Gift wish-lists are the easiest way to take the stress out of holiday gift giving. If it’s not on the list, think twice before veering off. See tip 3 for gift giving ideas.

There’s noel time like the present to reduce waste with these gift giving tips:

Gift experiences: spending quality time doing an activity they love or trying something new is the best way to create memories, not waste!

Gift goodies: baking and cooking is a great way to create memories with family and sharing the creations will always make a great gift or party favour.

Pool resources: maybe there’s something you know they’d love, talk to family or mutual friends and go in on a bigger gift together.

Choose long lasting: doing a little research into an item’s quality helps to ensure it’s a gift they’ll use for a while.

Gift a useful gift card: check with close friends/family if there’s somewhere they love to shop or what their interests are before picking out a gift card.

Get them started with refillables: buying in bulk and refilling common essentials is an investment, helping someone get started will be something that can appreciate for years to come.

Respect their wishes: listen for ideas throughout the year, but if they say they don’t want anything it’s probably best to listen.

Ok, you’ve picked out the best gift ever! Now it’s time for the wrapping. Check out Metro Vancouver’s wrap wise ideas for ideas that use easily recyclable or reusable materials.

Holiday decor doesn’t haven’t be wasteful.

Make it yourself with these tasteful ideas from Metro Vancouver’s decorating tips page. Ideas include borrowing from nature, reusable LED candles or using recyclables for decorations like cardboard trees and gift wrap garlands.

If diy isn’t for you choose decorations that are recyclable or long lasting so you can use them for years to come.

More than you might think is recyclable at a local depot or in your blue bin, bookmark this page from Recycle BC for a searchable database of packaging and paper products.

Did you know? Candy and Plastic/foil candy wrappers and chip bags are known as Flexible Plastics and are recyclable at local depot. Click here for our depot recycling page to find a location near you.

Composting: Green bins and backyard composters are a great way to reduce waste by saving what is actually resource from going to landfill. Check out the SCRD Guide to Backyard composting for tips and troubleshooting or www.scrd.ca/curbside-food for info about what can go in your green bin.

Some depots will accept books and christmas lights, BUT don’t mix them with your recycling.

Children’s parties can generate a lot of garbage in a short period of time. Check out these great party planning guides for ideas on how to have a memorable birthday without the one-time use plastics and without the on emphasis stuff and instead on enjoying the party. 

Green Child Magazine https://www.greenchildmagazine.com/eco-friendly-birthday-party/ 

PBS Parents http://www.pbs.org/parents/birthday-parties/tips_post/green-birthday-party/ 

Parents.com https://www.parents.com/fun/birthdays/themes/eco-friendly-party/