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Gift Planning Can Reduce Holiday WasteGift Planning Can Reduce Holiday Waste<div class="ExternalClassB48DB0874BA34698B2BC099D4BEAC464"><p>​Residents can reduce waste and <em>Create Memories, Not Garbage</em> this holiday season with the help of a new resource that promotes thoughtful gift giving.</p><p>Research conducted in summer 2024 showed that nearly one-third of Metro Vancouver residents received holiday gifts they didn't like from family members or friends last year, contributing to unnecessary waste. In response, Metro Vancouver has launched a comprehensive gift-planning resource that helps address common gifting challenges.</p><p>"When people plan ahead and communicate openly about gifts, everyone benefits and we create less waste," said Sarah Kirby-Yung, Chair of Metro Vancouver's Zero Waste Committee. "By taking time to understand what your friends and loved ones actually want and need, we can reduce waste while creating more meaningful holiday experiences." </p><p>The research found that nearly three-quarters of residents hope their friends and family will give hints or ask them directly for their gift wish list. </p><p>Metro Vancouver's <em>Create Memories, Not Garbage</em> website provides gift-planning tips that will help everyone give and get something meaningful this season. Tips include:</p><ul><li><strong>Merry list-mas!</strong> Keep a running list of gift ideas on your phone and listen for hints throughout the year. You will be set up for success by the time you start shopping.<br><br></li><li><strong>Ask directly</strong>. Ask the people you give gifts to what they want. If that feels too forward, look into their hobbies and interests, or ask someone close to them for ideas.<br><br></li><li><strong>Respect their wishes.</strong> If someone says they don't want anything this year, honour that.<br><br></li><li><strong>Pool resources.</strong> Know what they want but it's too pricey? Consider coordinating with friends to contribute towards one meaningful gift instead of several gifts.<br><br></li><li><strong>Shared experiences.</strong> When in doubt, consider giving the gift of quality time together. Explore memorable experiences with options in every price range.<br><br></li><li><strong>Include a gift receipt.</strong> If your gift doesn't hit the mark, they can exchange it for something they want.<br><br></li><li><strong>Give useful gift cards.</strong> Before you purchase a gift card, ask your recipient or someone close to them who their favourite vendors are.<br><br></li><li><strong>Give an act of service.</strong> Know someone who could use help? Give them a voucher for your services, like babysitting, updating a resume, or gardening.<br><br></li></ul><p>Visit <a href="https://creatememoriesnotgarbage.ca/">creatememoriesnotgarbage.ca</a> for gift-planning tips and over 200 low-waste gift ideas, with options in every price range.</p><p>To speak with a spokesperson on tips and gift ideas for reducing waste this holiday season, contact <a href="mailto:media@metrovancouver.org">media@metrovancouver.org</a><br></p><p><br></p></div>12/5/2024 8:00:00 AMMetro Vancouver Media Relationsmedia@metrovancouver.org

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