Give waste-free gifts for the holidays
Gift giving is a traditional part of the holiday season for many of us. It’s a wonderful feeling to give and to receive. But there is a down side.
The average Canadian throws out an estimated 50 kilograms of garbage over the holidays. That’s 25% more than the rest of the year.
There are a few ways to reduce this waste. One is to choose gifts that have less packaging. Another is to avoid wrapping paper. Instead, choose boxes, paper or cloth bags, or other creative wrappings that can be reused every year.
A third way is to stop giving in to the pressure to buy more things. There are all kinds of meaningful gifts you can give that are inexpensive — even free — and create little or no waste. Here are a few ideas:
· Package homemade cookies and other holiday specialties in tins or jars. People will enjoy the treats and appreciate the care you put into them. Sometimes these tasty packages are a lifesaver when people have unexpected visitors.
· Prepare ingredients for the foodies in your life. Package dry rubs, flavoured oils and salts, and dry soup mixes in jars. They are so pretty that they don’t even need wrappings. You can also give recipes for using these ingredients.
· Pamper your loved one with a home spa package. Homemade bath salts and sugar scrubs are easy to package in mason jars. Tie a loofah to the jar and you’re done.
· If you sew, you can make reusable shopping bags, small drawstring bags for produce, and cloth napkins. By giving these gifts, you make it easy for others to reduce their waste, too.
· Give the gift of your time. Offer to help with chores, babysit for busy parents, or simply spend time with a friend or family member.
· There are some people who really don’t need anything. You can make a donation in their name to a charity they believe in.
