| O Christmas tree | | O Christmas tree | <div class="ExternalClass820F525DEE6740A3ACB21CE58CEFD345"><p>Real tree? Unless it’s been sprayed with fake snow, it can be recycled. Remove all decorations and bring it to a recycling and waste centre where it will be composted. Find a location on <a href="http://mvrecycles.org/">mvrecycles.org</a> (search “Christmas Tree”). </p><p>Alternatively, check your municipality’s website for local chip-ups. Next year, consider renting a potted tree for the holidays.<br></p></div> | | https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/oldchristmastree.jpg, Picture
https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/oldchristmastree.jpg |
| Be kind to your Christmas decorations | | Be kind to your Christmas decorations | <div class="ExternalClassD69CC5E9551C478BA13A25151A439C24"><p>Store decorations away carefully and you'll be able to use them year on year – meaning less waste going to landfill and reducing your need to buy new stuff.</p><p>You can use shredded wrapping paper or packaging from new toys or gadgets to protect delicate items.</p><p>And don't throw away decorations – donate or sell them so they can live another life.<br></p></div> | | https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/storechristmasdecoration.jpg, Picture
https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/storechristmasdecoration.jpg |
| Reuse Christmas cards before recycling them | | Reuse Christmas cards before recycling them | <div class="ExternalClassDDDCE121979144AE8D119F5B2C38A3A8"><p>Reuse the decorative fronts of cards as gift tags or upcycled decorations next year. The back panel can be cut into narrow strips to use as shopping lists or kept for crafts.
</p><p></p><p>If you can’t reuse your cards, plain paper cards go in your paper recycling. Cards with non-paper additives like plastic, glitter, sequins or fabric cannot be recycled and go in the garbage.</p></div> | | https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/christmascards.jpg, Picture
https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/christmascards.jpg |
| Regifting | | Regifting | <div class="ExternalClassD3FF3575EAAB41D5BF7439C8D183B37E"><p>If you've got a gift that you know someone else will enjoy more than you will, why not give it to them? Start a 'gift drawer' to collect new items that you give for future birthdays, housewarmings, etc. Put a note on each stored gift so you don't accidentally return the gift to the orignal gifter!<br></p></div> | | https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/regifting.jpg, Picture
https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/regifting.jpg |
| Use up leftovers | | Use up leftovers | <div class="ExternalClass57ECA1D8FA4847F0B213CAA2775D9F1E"><p>A lot of resources went into preparing your holiday meal – land, water, energy, and your time and money! Make the most of it by using up all your leftovers.</p><p>Freeze goodies to eat later or give away leftovers to friends and family. Visit <a href="http://www.lovefoodhatewaste.ca/" target="_blank">lovefoodhatewaste.ca</a> for more ideas and recipes to use up your Christmas leftovers.</p></div> | | https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/turkeysandwich.jpg, Picture
https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/turkeysandwich.jpg |
| Shipping packaging | | Shipping packaging | <div class="ExternalClass5E8555ABA7424825B3CA2140B6830462"><p>Gifts and online orders come in all sorts of packaging – soft plastic, foam, air pockets and more. If you can't reuse the packaging, find out how to recycle it in your municipality.</p><p>Check with <a href="https://recycling.metrovancouver.org/" target="_blank">Metro Vancouver Recycles</a> to find out how to recycle shipping packaging where you live.</p></div> | | https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/packaging.jpg, Picture
https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/packaging.jpg |
| New Year’s Eve | | New Year’s Eve | <div class="ExternalClassCF5BFB1EA0964E4F83407B93E46B5C43"><ul style="margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;"><li>Send electronic invitations instead of paper</li><li>Invest in decorations that are long lasting and store them for next year </li><li>Use reusable dishware, stemware and napkins</li><li>Rent what you don’t have instead of buying them </li><li>Send leftovers home with your guests as a thank you/party favour<br></li></ul></div><br> | | https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/newyears.jpg, Picture
https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/newyears.jpg |
| Reuse or recycle wrapping paper | | Reuse or recycle wrapping paper | <div class="ExternalClassBE70CFF2FE67478B895DC5DA6E00EAC1"><p>Reuse wrapping paper if you can. Carefully flatten and fold large pieces to be used again. Smaller pieces can be used to make gift tags. </p><p>Can't be salvaged? Paper wrapping can go in paper recycling. Watch out for gift wrap made of plastic, foil, or with texture from non-paper additives like glitter – this paper cannot be recycled and belongs in the garbage.<br></p></div> | | https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/usedwrapping.jpg, Picture
https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/usedwrapping.jpg |
| Have a swap party | | Have a swap party | <div class="ExternalClass861017CB2D0D4662B369BC791593846E"><p>You may not be in love with the fringed, mesh muscle shirt that one of your over-zealous co-workers gave you, but someone else might go gaga over it! Plan a swap party by inviting a few friends to bring over their unwanted gifts, serve some snacks, and let the trading begin!<br></p></div> | | https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/unwantedgifts.jpg, Picture
https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/unwantedgifts.jpg |
| Electronic waste | https://www.google.com/maps/search/electronic+waste+near+vancouver/@49.2264527,,-123.1636317,,12z/data=!3m1!4b1, https://www.google.com/maps/search/electronic+waste+near+vancouver/@49.2264527,-123.1636317,12z/data=!3m1!4b1 | Electronic waste | <div class="ExternalClassB59648E78E8B485E9A0BDCCDFCB73D34"><p>Did you upgrade to the latest gadget this Christmas? Remember to dispose of your old one properly by selling/donating it if it still works, or recycle it. Anything with a battery or plug can be recycled. Find a recycling and waste centre near you at </p><p><a href="http://www.metrovancouverrecycles.org/" target="_blank">metrovancouverrecycles.org</a>.<br></p></div> | | https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/electronicwaste.jpg, Picture
https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/electronicwaste.jpg |
| Donate unwanted items | https://www.google.com/maps/search/thrift+stores+near+vancouver/@49.2755387,,-123.2144836,,12z/data=!3m1!4b1, https://www.google.com/maps/search/thrift+stores+near+vancouver/@49.2755387,-123.2144836,12z/data=!3m1!4b1 | Donate unwanted items | <div class="ExternalClass8AD2C4917D2146D38B00154830189EE1"><p>
Give away items that you don't want or won't use, or old items that have been replaced by something shiny and new. Make sure the items you donate are clean and in good working condition.</p><p>Search online for charities or thrift stores that will accept your donations.<br></p></div> | | https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/donate.jpg, Picture
https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/donate.jpg |