There’s a lot to look forward to during the holiday season with gifts, festive decorations and delicious food! But these holiday activities can also lead to a lot of waste. There are many sustainable alternatives and creative options to help keep waste out of landfills.

“Gifts are great; however, shared experiences are even better as they’re made to last,” says Melissa Kovacs-Read, Manager, Waste Services, Dufferin County. “By gifting experiences and memories, you create deeper bonds while also contributing to a sustainable environment!”

Get creative and enjoy 12 days of a wasteless holiday this season by following the tips below.

Borrow from nature
Deck the halls with boughs of [real] holly! Forage in your yard for clippings from trees and bushes to make your holiday decorations. Put your spent natural decorations out with your Christmas tree for yard waste collection – easy clean up!

Build a skill
Music, art or dance lessons make terrific gifts that can create memories for years to come. Check out local community centres to see what classes or lessons they offer.

Calendar wrap
Calendars become outdated after 365 days. Hold on to your old calendars from last year to use as wrapping paper. You won’t even need much decorating since many have beautiful pictures and artwork!

Cast iron cookware
Know a culinary enthusiast? Every home chef needs a good cast iron pan. Cast iron cookware is versatile, guaranteed to last for many years and highly recyclable through a scrap metal program. In fact, it’s the gift that gets better the more you use it!

Create a recipe book
Gather your favourite family recipes in a book for a friend or loved one and create a one-of-a-kind gift. They might even invite you over for dinner!

Day/night off
Last minute gift idea! Give a loved one the day off by offering to babysit. Or buy a couple a date night out for dinner and offer to babysit! Double win!

Edible gifts
These make an excellent zero waste option! Get the whole family into the kitchen to whip up something special for those on your gift list. Try baking cookies, making jam, pickled vegetables, granola or a holiday nut mix! Remember to waste less when you wrap it.

Heirlooms
How do you know something will last? When it already has. Pass on a family heirloom or something you cherish from your childhood. It makes for a memorable gift that will surely last.

Pass on a good book
Read any good books lately? Re-gifting a book is a great way to share that experience with someone you care about while ensuring the book itself is put to good use. Keep calm and read on!

Sponsor a family
Looking to give back this holiday season? Help bring memories and joy to a family in need. Many charitable organizations in Dufferin County can assist with coordinating your sponsorship.

Sports tickets
Because who doesn’t love hockey or lacrosse? Seasons tickets to a local minor league make a great family activity that lasts all season long. Or maybe your favourite National Hockey League team will make the playoffs this year…

Theater tickets
Check out what’s available in the area, like movies, orchestras, musical theatre, community theatre productions, etc. Plan to attend a few shows as a family throughout the year or buy tickets for friends and offer to babysit. Consider getting seasons tickets to share with other friends and family throughout the year.

Visit https://www.dufferincounty.ca/waste, follow Dufferin Waste on Facebook and X and download the free Dufferin Waste App for more tips and information on waste reduction in Dufferin County!

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Megan Ball, Manager of Communications
mball@dufferincounty.ca