| Borrow from nature | | Borrow from nature | <div class="ExternalClass1BDAEF8CA0FE4FD8BEA217103408F3EC"><p>Many decorations can be found by looking no further than your back yard. Pinecones, branches, leaves, and twigs can all be used as decorations. Try using the greenery in nature to make your wreath or centerpiece this year. It’s easy, waste free, and smells good too! </p></div> | | https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/borrowfromnature.jpg, Picture
https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/borrowfromnature.jpg |
| Reusable LED candles | https://www.google.com/maps/search/reusable+LED+candles+near+vancouver/@49.28555,,-123.1253245,,13z/data=!3m1!4b1, https://www.google.com/maps/search/reusable+LED+candles+near+vancouver/@49.28555,-123.1253245,13z/data=!3m1!4b1 | Reusable LED candles | <div class="ExternalClass00A605895520403FB4DEEB1618974E8E"><p>Who doesn't love the warm winter ambiance created by lighting a few candles? Reusable LED candles are a safer and more eco-friendly option. Make sure to look for rechargeable and reusable LED candles, and to avoid the cheaper disposable ones.<br></p></div> | | https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/ledcandles.jpg, Picture
https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/ledcandles.jpg |
| Green shopping choices | https://www.google.com/maps/search/ECo+friendly+gifts+near+vancouver/@49.2572637,,-123.1621773,,12z/data=!3m1!4b1, https://www.google.com/maps/search/ECo+friendly+gifts+near+vancouver/@49.2572637,-123.1621773,12z/data=!3m1!4b1 | Green shopping choices | <div class="ExternalClassD8E7195342B24B96A5F7062B0795B987"><p>When choosing new decorations, shop for ones that can be used forever. Start small<br>and add to your collection year by year.</p></div> | | https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/greenshopping.jpg, Picture
https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/greenshopping.jpg |
| Make it a party | | Make it a party | <div class="ExternalClassD3BDE295EBA24A1EB1317B792A19CEB0"><p>Invite friends and family over to make decorations. It’s amazing the beautiful decorations you can make out of newspaper, magazine pages, toilet paper rolls, and a little ribbon or string. Search online for ‘green Christmas decorations’ – you’ll find loads of ideas.<br></p></div> | | https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/makeitaparty.jpg, Picture
https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/makeitaparty.jpg |
| The aftermath | | The aftermath | <div class="ExternalClass198B1E08AD744D90AF4BCB10E0CAD001"><p>Once it's all said and done, you may still have some 'stuff' leftover. Know what packaging and printed paper can go into your recycling bins.</p><p>You can also use <a href="http://metrovancouverrecycles.org/">Metro Vancouver Recycles</a> to find the most convenient locations to donate or recycle just about anything that doesn't go in your blue box. </p></div> | | https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/aftermath.jpg, Picture
https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/aftermath.jpg |
| Curate a collection | | Curate a collection | <div class="ExternalClass9942E74D01824697BC8E3087B54DE129"><p>When buying new decorations, choose quality items you’ll want to use year after year. Mix these in with homemade and nostalgic items to build a collection of decorations you love.</p></div> | | https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/curateacollection.jpg, Picture
https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/curateacollection.jpg |
| Recycle old christmas lights | | Recycle old christmas lights | <div class="ExternalClass3A63AF668CFC4377A76E861B2D4285EF"><p>Old, broken Christmas lights can be recycled. Find a facility that accepts them on <a href="http://www.metrovancouverrecycles.org/">Metro Vancouver Recycles.</a></p></div> | | https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/recycleoldlights.jpg, Picture
https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/recycleoldlights.jpg |
| Recycled cardboard tree | | Recycled cardboard tree | <div class="ExternalClass886DBD08B299441E9F6F1F167E5E8BD2"><p></p><p>Instead of chopping down a perfectly healthy tree, how about using ones that are already dead? By recycling some old cardboard boxes, you’ll end up with a minimalist 3D tree that can be decorated with lights and baubles just like any other.
<a href="https://geekdad.com/2013/12/make-cardboard-christmas-tree"> Find instructions here.</a><br></p></div> | | https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/cardboardtree.jpg, Picture
https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/cardboardtree.jpg |
| Alternative Christmas tree | | Alternative Christmas tree | <div class="ExternalClass97CC49A9CC17403487EE3730B36CCAD1"><p>If you’re looking to move away from a traditional tree this Christmas, see what materials you have around the house and exercise some creative muscle. You can make a festive tree out of books, a ladder, or picture frames. <br></p></div> | | https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/alternativetree.jpg, Picture
https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/alternativetree.jpg |
| Turn old toys into ornaments | | Turn old toys into ornaments | <div class="ExternalClassB4C9ED88672449E8B88F7AA220BCD474"><p>Transform old toys into nostalgic Christmas tree decorations. Ask the kids to help pick out which toys to use. To hang, use a needle and embroidery thread to stitch through soft toys, insert screw eyes into wooden toys, or wind embroidery thread through an opening or around a narrow part of the toy.</p></div> | | https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/turnoldtoys.jpg, Picture
https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/turnoldtoys.jpg |
| Recycled gift wrap garland | | Recycled gift wrap garland | <div class="ExternalClassDA75D20FED3B4A4DB6A72DAF28EF885C"><p>Instead of throwing them out, gather up old holiday gift bags, bits of wrapping paper and greeting cards. Cut out circles and string them together to create a festive garland. Get instructions <a href="http://www.pleasenotepaper.com/2011/12/diy-recycled-new-years-garland.html">here</a>. </p></div> | | https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/giftwrapgarland.jpg, Picture
https://metrovancouver.org/holidaywaste/CreateMemoriesImages/giftwrapgarland.jpg |