The holidays are all about giving, gathering, and celebrating, but let’s be honest, they can also come with a lot of extra stuff.
Wrapping paper, packaging, decorations… it adds up fast. The good news? Making your holiday season a little more eco-friendly doesn’t have to be complicated.
One easy place to start is with gift wrap. A quick rule of thumb: if wrapping paper tears easily and feels like regular paper, it’s likely recyclable and can go straight into your blue cart. If it’s shiny, plasticky, or hard to tear (think metallic finishes or cellophane) that one belongs in the garbage. Same goes for flashy bows and ribbons.
Plastics can be tricky, but here’s a simple test: if it stretches, like bread bags or shipping bags, it can usually be recycled. Hard plastic toys, though, should head to the trash.
One important safety reminder this season: never toss batteries or battery-operated toys into the garbage or recycling. They can cause fires when crushed. Instead, store them safely and drop them off at a where and when you can to a place that takes those items.
When it comes time to say goodbye to your Christmas tree, it can be composted! Just remove all the decorations first. You can cut it up for your green cart or drop it off at most recycling centres until January 31. Also fun fact: Most of your Christmas tree is edible and healthy! Needles are a good source of Vitamin C.
Not sure where something goes? Most places are coming out with a “What Goes Where” search tool on their websites or social media.
Sustainable wrapping is a great place to get creative as well. Reusing gift bags, boxes, baskets, or even fabric like tea towels can add a personal (and planet-friendly) touch. Saving bows and ribbons from year to year also goes a long way.
Feeling crafty? Try making your own wrapping paper using old calendars, vintage maps, stamps, or even your kids’ artwork. It’s fun, unique, and guaranteed to make your gifts stand out.
A little planning and creativity can turn holiday waste into holiday wins.
Comments