Whether we like it or not, waste is inevitably a part of any celebration, including Christmas. Single-use containers, lids, and utensils end up in the recycling bin or trash can, next to papers, ribbons, and ornaments used to wrap gifts. A few days later and it’s time for unwanted leftovers and the dried-out Christmas tree to join the discard pile. But what if you started being a little more eco-conscious? Here are 5 tips to help you reduce your waste this holiday season.
1. Cook your leftovers to reduce food waste
In Canada, the majority of food waste takes place in households. Thus, an eco-friendly Christmas needs to start in the kitchen. And we’ve got loads of great food waste tips and tricks!
Did you buy too much bread? No problem! You can freeze the excess or use it to make dessert! Learn how here. Made too much food? Discover how to transform your leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, and yule log into a brand-new meal, side dish, or dessert! Or you can invite your guests to leave with doggy bags to enjoy at home.
2 – Offer homemade gourmet gifts
Unfortunately, the gifts we give, expensive or not, often end up collecting dust. Why not try something new this year and offer delicious homemade presents instead? Do you enjoy making your own jam, caramel, or pickled vegetables? Give some as gifts to your loved ones so that they can indulge in the months to come! Not only will you feel proud of your culinary creations, you’ll save loads of money, too! And of course, you can always keep a few of your delectable treats for yourself!
No time to cook? La Tablée des Chefs’ Bouillons solidaires make a great gift for anyone who loves to make soups, stews, and risottos. Plus, when you purchase a chicken bone, beef bone, or vegetable broth, you contribute to the organization’s dual mission of fighting hunger and promoting culinary education among young men and women.
3 – Organize an activity with your loved ones: a great eco-friendly gift idea!
How many times do we tell family and friends how great it would be to spend more time together? So do it! The holiday season is the ideal time to organize a fun get-together. Offer a loved one tickets to a show or festival, or dinner at a restaurant with you. Zero-waste gifts that are sure to please!
If you’re feeling motivated, you can also invite your loved one to your house. You could, for example, cook a variety of dishes from a given country, or go on a culinary trip with a selection of dishes from different countries around the world. Thai shrimp soup, Greek salad, Japanese chicken skewers, spicy Indian chicken, sauerkraut with the works, Brazilian-style beef stew, lamb tajine with olives, etc.: let yourself be inspired by the flavours of the world (or by your guest’s tastes). The idea is to rethink the concept of gift-giving and to offer loved ones what’s most precious: your time. Plus, no gift-wrapping required!
4 – Recycle your natural tree
Tempted to toss your Christmas tree in the garbage come January 2nd? Recycle it instead!
- Buy a potted tree, that way you can transplant it outside come spring.
- Chop your tree into logs to use in your fireplace on cold winter days.
- See if your municipality has a Christmas tree recycling program. You might be able to give your tree to the city, who will then take care of recycling or composting it.
Fake Christmas trees: a more eco-friendly solution?
Did you know that you would need to use your fake Christmas tree for approximately 20 years before its ecological footprint is considered lower than a real tree’s? Seeing as most people only keep their fake tree for about six years, a real tree remains the eco-friendliest solution.
5 – Try your hand at furoshiki—an eco-friendly way to wrap
Are you familiar with furoshiki, the Japanese technique of gift-wrapping? It’s a technique that involves wrapping gifts in fabric. It’s zero-waste, plus the fabric can be washed and reused, contrary to traditional wrapping paper, which winds up in the garbage. Get creative this holiday season by wrapping your gifts in a variety of different-coloured and patterned fabrics... or even in your IGA flyer!