Greener Holiday Season

From using LED Christmas lights on timers to using recycled wrapping paper, so many of us are looking for ways to make the holiday season less wasteful and more environmentally friendly. We've talked about these tips before, but it's always good to take another look when the holiday season is upon us.

The City of Vancouver has been promoting its Create Memories, Not Garbage campaign on public transportation. Here are a few of their tips for more environmentally-friendly gifting:

Give experiences

A gift for busy parents? Dinner out; many restaurants offer gift certificates or they'll let you prepay the meal. Or maybe even better, offer up some babysitting too.

Take advantage of our local mountains. Ski, snowboard, take lessons, ice skate, hike, or go for the view and a hot chocolate.

Most people get haircuts, you can send them to their usual place while you pick up the bill, or send them to the new place down the street.

Everyone likes a rainy night at the movies. Get passes at any neighbourhood theatre.

Even in a busy city, people can feel lonely. The gift of your time is unbeatable. Visit for a coffee and bring the biscuits. Offer to help with a task; paint a deck, fix a step, prune a hedge. Take them for a walk in a nearby park.

Gifts that last

Parents spend a lot of time sorting out toys, picking up broken bits and hiding choking hazards. Choose simple toys that can be passed along. What was your favourite when you were eight years old?

Kites were popular in China thousands of years ago, as were stone yo-yos in Greece. Why do some toys last? They are creative, hands on and everyone can use them. Crayons, scrabble and blocks don't end up in the landfill.

Go smaller. But better. Find a fabulous kitchen gadget that is simple, and will last forever. Skip those with batteries and breakable parts. A cherry pitter, a good knife, a durable cutting board.

How do you know something will really last? When it already has. Pass on a family heirloom, or something you cherish that someone else has admired.

Places to shop

Gifts that have not travelled far tend to have less packaging and be made of simpler materials; therefore they have less impact on the environment. While they may require a little more time to find, the shopping journey itself can be enjoyable especially if you combine it with a visit to a new neighbourhood; bring your mug and take five with a hot drink.

Visit local craft fairs and find durable, handmade gifts. Look in your community newspaper or search the internet for 'local craft fairs'.

How do you make your giving greener? We'd love to hear your tips and tricks!