This spring... create memories, not waste

We’ve got some eggs-cellent tips below for reducing holiday waste.

At the bottom are some season specific info about materials accepted for recycling.

Use shredded paper instead of plastic artificial grass in Easter baskets
Shredded paper can be composted after in a backyard composter or at Salish Soils or dry paper can be recycled with other mixed paper.

Compost Easter eggs
Put them in your green bin or take to Salish Soils in Sechelt for composting. Avoid putting in backyard composters as this can attract wildlife.

Hosting an Easter dinner or brunch? Aim to reduce food waste!
Plan out portions in advance, use a grocery list, serve on smaller dishes and use up or donate leftovers. Find more tips to reduce food waste here.
Still have left overs? Go try an easy Easter Quiche Lorraine from Love Food Hate Waste Canada.

Buy used Easter baskets, go durable or DIY
Visit local thrift shop locations on the coast. Or buy a durable basket that can be used year after year. Get creative with DIY options like pillow cases or boxes in your home.

Go reusable for egg hunts
Buy reusable eggs and place unwrapped, bulk candy inside for egg hunts. Kids will love them and the eggs can be reused year after year.

Holiday celebrations of all kinds play well with baked goods. Getting together to bake goods is one way to celebrate and comes with the added benefit of everyone taking some home to help reduce food waste.

Looking for a different way to spend a holiday? Give to a cause or charity in someone else’s name or volunteer together to help the community.  The Sunshine Coast has many not-for-profits and charitable organizations working to enhance our community.

Opt for longer-lasting flowers or plant cuttings (if you are have green thumb!) over store-bought cut flowers.

Skip plastic decorations, paper decorations are fully recyclable at your local depot click here for a list of party recyclables (includes piñatas too!)

Children’s parties can generate a lot of garbage in a short period of time. Focusing on a memorable birthday without the one-time use plastics and without the emphasis stuff and instead on enjoying the party will bring memories instead of waste to the party.

Some ideas include:

  • consider e-vites to parents or craft handmade invites from existing craft supplies.
  • offer snacks that don’t need plates, like a cake made of cupcakes, sandwiches, wraps and veggie or fruit slices.
  • when using plates either go reusable or fully compostable (sorry plastic coated <insert kid’s favourite cartoon> plates, you’re not invited)

 

Visit www.scrd.ca/recycling-depots for our recycling directory or call RCBC at 604-RECYCLE for where everyday items can be recycled. Want quicker access to the recycling directory? Download the SCRD Collects App on your smart phone and use the waste wizard feature. Click here for Google Play link and here for the Apple Store.