Twelve ways to reduce waste over the holidays

Did you know that the average Canadian household generates 25 per cent more waste during the holiday season? It’s a festive time for joy and celebration, but often brings a significant increase in waste. This contributes to environmental pollution.

Did you know that there are simple and effective ways to reduce waste and make your holidays more sustainable? From supporting local businesses and being thoughtful when gifting, here are several ways to reduce waste this season.

Purchase wisely and recycle

• Use reusable cloth bags when shopping. Did you know that less than 11 per cent of Canada’s plastics get recycled? Using cloth bags reduces waste that goes into our landfills. It also allows for sturdier transportation of gifts. If you don’t plan to use cloth bags, try to put your purchases into as few bags as possible. 
• Reuse gift wrapping paper and bags. Don’t forget to save gift bags and wrapping paper, if in good condition. Reusing gift bags, ribbons, and bows reduces waste and saves money. You can also create custom wrapping paper with newspaper articles or magazine clippings.
• Consider buying used items. You can buy quality secondhand decorations and clothing from local stores and online marketplaces. By purchasing secondhand items, you can save money, support local charities, and reduce waste.
• Switch to e-cards. Sending out holiday cards is a longstanding tradition many families love, but you can still turn those amazing holiday photos into an e-greeting. Sharing them via social media and email is fun!
• Let Mother Nature help with the decorating. There are many beautiful ways to decorate our homes for the holidays with natural objects. Branches, pinecones, cinnamon sticks, oranges, and rosemary sprigs all make lovely (and compostable!) holiday décor. Search Pinterest for simple “do it yourself” projects you can do with friends and family. You can even opt for a potted tree.

Meal planning and grocery shopping

• Host a waste-friendly meal. Avoid using disposable dishes and cutlery, if possible. This will help reduce waste and save you money.
• Source your holiday meal locally. Some farmers markets are affordable and will have sweet potatoes, pumpkins, squash, apples, and even turkeys (if your family eats meat), depending on where you live. Shopping at your local farmers market is a win-win. First, you’ll support local farmers while getting fresher ingredients than you might find in the big-box grocery store. You can also reduce packaging waste by shopping at stores that sell food in bulk. Remember to bring your own containers!
• Reuse empty containers to store holiday items. Glass jars, plastic tubs, coffee cans, or other containers can store leftovers or items like ribbons for wrapping presents. Just be sure to wash the containers thoroughly before reusing them.
• Remember to use your green bin during holiday gatherings. All food scraps, food soiled papers, even pizza boxes, can go into your green organics bin. To find out which items are accepted in the organics program, download the WasteTO app or visit toronto.ca/greenbin.

This holiday season, make a conscious effort to recycle properly. You can enjoy a festive season while contributing to a healthier planet. 

Happy Holidays!