The City of Winnipeg has provided a few tips on how to reduce the waste you create during the holiday season.
Decorating
When you are lighting a tree or decorating the house, choose energy-efficient LED lights. Not only are they shatterproof, they can use up to 90 percent less electricity and even last longer. Reusing decorations each year is another option to reduce costs and waste.
Gifts
For people who love the outdoors or being active, why not give them the gift of an outdoor adventure. Meet up with a friend or loved one and explore our nature trails, parks, and outdoor amenities. Not only will you be able to enjoy the company of others, you’ll get some fresh air and exercise. It’s a great alternative to material gifts.
Another way to reduce waste this holiday season is to consider gifting an experience like dance classes, museum passes, or gift cards to local restaurants. Your gifts can support local events and businesses at the same time as being sustainable.
Wrapping
Unfortunately, most wrapping paper is not recyclable because of how it’s made. So if you do have gifts to give that need to be wrapped, consider gift bags and make sure to keep the ones you receive so you have them for next year. Another idea is to wrap a gift with another gift, such as a towel, blanket, or clothing.
Cleaning up
When it comes to clean up time, remember to recycle your cardboard boxes and other acceptable materials. Avoid nesting your items because that makes it difficult to recycle different materials. If you have a lot of items that don’t fit in your blue cart, you can bring it to our 4R Winnipeg Depots. They also accept old electronics.
If you choose to have a real Christmas tree, make sure to bring it to one of our Let’s Chip In Depots so it can be recycled and turned into woodchips. The depots will be operating from December 27, 2021 to January 31, 2022.
