Dreaming of a green Christmas; Having an eco-friendly holiday in Metro Vancouver
Posted November 20, 2022 8:07 pm.
Last Updated November 20, 2022 8:20 pm.
British Columbians are getting ready for the holiday season by setting up glowing lights, eating gingerbread, and of course, buying gifts for loved ones.
But in Metro Vancouver, one initiative is encouraging people to go-green this Christmas by keeping the environment in mind over the holiday season.
Giving gifts and unwrapping colourful packages is a favourite tradition for many during the holidays — and the initiative Create Memories, Not Garbage, is sharing tips on how to cut-back on paper waste.
The initiative says using an old map can make for great wrapping paper. (Photo courtesy of Metro Vancouver)
“Wrapping gifts with festive paper and decorations can create anticipation and surprise, but it can also make a lot of garbage!” the website explained.
Some tips to keep the trash down while still having fun is to use cloth ribbons, re-usable fabrics, paper bags, old calendars, or boxes.
Or to get rid of wrapping completely, the initiative recommends sharing experiences with loved ones instead of a tangible item.
“Community theatre productions are an affordable and fun evening out. Supporting the local arts also fosters a healthy community. Give it a green twist and include taxi or transit fare,” the website added.
It also adds that taking someone out for dinner, paying for music lessons or classes, and setting aside time to be together like having a date night can be a great gift.
This season, celebrate with less waste – create memories, not garbage with some tips from Metro Vancouver. https://t.co/IYEh5YtUW1 pic.twitter.com/sz9fbG2nfU
— City of Port Moody (@CityofPoMo) November 19, 2022
Dazzling neighbours and lighting up the street with colourful displays is also a beloved tradition, but the initiative suggests some more eco-friendly options can get the job done.
This includes using LED lights, and getting creative with nature by doing DIY decorations with pinecones, branches, and twigs.
“Many decorations can be found by looking no further than your backyard…Try using the greenery in nature to make your wreath or centerpiece this year. It’s easy, waste free, and smells good too!” the website read.
But overall, the goal is to encourage residents to be mindful during the holiday season.
“The campaign encourages residents to celebrate the holidays in ways that produce less waste, such as giving experiences or gifts that last, wrapping gifts with less, using sustainable decorations, and avoiding food waste.”
