Wait! Before you leave, what’s one thing you’ll do differently this year to create less waste?

Click all that apply


Submit

Create memories, not garbage.

Decorating

No matter your interior décor, holiday decorations can add a festive touch to your home. If you need to buy new decorations, buy reusable ones that last for years and keep unnecessary waste out of the landfill.

 

 

 

Borrow from nature46http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/Borrow from natureBorrow 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>http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/borrowfromnature.jpg, Picture http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/borrowfromnature.jpghttp://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/borrowfromnatureshare.jpg, ThumbGP0|#15d72c3a-bae1-402d-b8b6-10579e614e6d;L0|#015d72c3a-bae1-402d-b8b6-10579e614e6d|Decorating;GTSet|#a9923e58-f557-4ae8-9322-43b8e31fd089
Reusable LED candles47http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/Reusable candlesReusable 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. These look similar to real candles, are made from real wax, and are even designed to flicker in the same way. Make sure to look for rechargeable and reusable LED candles, and to avoid the cheaper disposable ones. </p></div>http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/ledcandles.jpg, Picture http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/ledcandles.jpghttp://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/ledcandlesshare.jpg, ThumbGP0|#15d72c3a-bae1-402d-b8b6-10579e614e6d;L0|#015d72c3a-bae1-402d-b8b6-10579e614e6d|Decorating;GTSet|#a9923e58-f557-4ae8-9322-43b8e31fd089
Green shopping choices48http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/Green shoppingGreen 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>http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/greenshopping.jpg, Picture http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/greenshopping.jpghttp://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/greenshoppingshare.jpg, ThumbGP0|#15d72c3a-bae1-402d-b8b6-10579e614e6d;L0|#015d72c3a-bae1-402d-b8b6-10579e614e6d|Decorating;GTSet|#a9923e58-f557-4ae8-9322-43b8e31fd089
Make it a party49http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/Make it a partyMake 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 simple but great ideas. </p></div>http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/makeitaparty.jpg, Picture http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/makeitaparty.jpghttp://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/makeitapartyshare.jpg, thumbGP0|#15d72c3a-bae1-402d-b8b6-10579e614e6d;L0|#015d72c3a-bae1-402d-b8b6-10579e614e6d|Decorating;GTSet|#a9923e58-f557-4ae8-9322-43b8e31fd089
The aftermath50http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/AftermathThe 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>http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/aftermath.jpg, Picture http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/aftermath.jpghttp://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/aftermathshare.jpg, thumbGP0|#15d72c3a-bae1-402d-b8b6-10579e614e6d;L0|#015d72c3a-bae1-402d-b8b6-10579e614e6d|Decorating;GTSet|#a9923e58-f557-4ae8-9322-43b8e31fd089
Curate a collection54http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/Curate a collectionCurate 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>http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/curateacollection.jpg, Picture http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/curateacollection.jpghttp://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/curateacollectionshare.jpg, ThumbGP0|#15d72c3a-bae1-402d-b8b6-10579e614e6d;L0|#015d72c3a-bae1-402d-b8b6-10579e614e6d|Decorating;GTSet|#a9923e58-f557-4ae8-9322-43b8e31fd089
Recycle old christmas lights55http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/Recycling old christmas lightRecycle 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/">MetroVancouver Recycles.</a></p></div>http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/recycleoldlights.jpg, Picture http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/recycleoldlights.jpghttp://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/recycleoldlightsshare.jpg, ThumbGP0|#15d72c3a-bae1-402d-b8b6-10579e614e6d;L0|#015d72c3a-bae1-402d-b8b6-10579e614e6d|Decorating;GTSet|#a9923e58-f557-4ae8-9322-43b8e31fd089
Recycled cardboard tree56http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/Recycled cardboard treeRecycled cardboard tree<div class="ExternalClass886DBD08B299441E9F6F1F167E5E8BD2"><p>​Instead of chopping down a perfectly healthy tree, how about using an already-dead one?</p><p>By recycling some old cardboard boxes, you’ll end up with a minimalistic 3D tree that can be decorated with lights and<br>baubles just like any other. Find instructions <a href="https://geekdad.com/2013/12/make-cardboard-christmas-tree">here.</a></p></div>http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/cardboardtree.jpg, Picture http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/cardboardtree.jpghttp://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/cardboardtreeshare.jpg, ThumbGP0|#15d72c3a-bae1-402d-b8b6-10579e614e6d;L0|#015d72c3a-bae1-402d-b8b6-10579e614e6d|Decorating;GTSet|#a9923e58-f557-4ae8-9322-43b8e31fd089
Alternative Christmas tree57http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/Alternative christmas treeAlternative 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. See more unique ideas <a href="http://tiphero.com/26-unique-christmas-trees">here</a>.</p></div>http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/alternativetree.jpg, Picture http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/alternativetree.jpghttp://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/alternativetreeshare.jpg, ThumbGP0|#15d72c3a-bae1-402d-b8b6-10579e614e6d;L0|#015d72c3a-bae1-402d-b8b6-10579e614e6d|Decorating;GTSet|#a9923e58-f557-4ae8-9322-43b8e31fd089
Turn old toys into ornaments58http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/Turn old toys into ornamentsTurn 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>http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/turnoldtoys.jpg, Picture http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/turnoldtoys.jpghttp://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/turnoldtoysshare.jpg, ThumbGP0|#15d72c3a-bae1-402d-b8b6-10579e614e6d;L0|#015d72c3a-bae1-402d-b8b6-10579e614e6d|Decorating;GTSet|#a9923e58-f557-4ae8-9322-43b8e31fd089
Recycled giftwrap garland59http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/Recycled giftwrap garlandRecycled giftwrap 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>http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/giftwrapgarland.jpg, Picture http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/giftwrapgarland.jpghttp://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/giftwrapgarlandshare.jpg, ThumbGP0|#15d72c3a-bae1-402d-b8b6-10579e614e6d;L0|#015d72c3a-bae1-402d-b8b6-10579e614e6d|Decorating;GTSet|#a9923e58-f557-4ae8-9322-43b8e31fd089
Upcycle socks60http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/Upcycle socksUpcycle socks<div class="ExternalClassFEB04EE307E94539A5012E752D60C7FF"><div><p>​Turn outgrown baby socks into a sweet<a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/270492/baby-sock-advent-calendar"> advent calendar</a>. Or, re-purpose bigger wool socks into stockings. </p></div></div>http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/upcyclesocks.jpg, Picture http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/upcyclesocks.jpghttp://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/CreateMemoriesImages/upcyclesocksshare.jpg, ThumbGP0|#15d72c3a-bae1-402d-b8b6-10579e614e6d;L0|#015d72c3a-bae1-402d-b8b6-10579e614e6d|Decorating;GTSet|#a9923e58-f557-4ae8-9322-43b8e31fd089