6 Tips To Make the Holidays More Sustainable in Edmonton
Holidays are looking different this year for everyone, from the ways we search for the perfect gift or spend time with those in our household.
This season, here are some quick suggestions to make the holidays more sustainable in your home and the community.
Sustainable Gift Wrap
Did you know that not all glossy wrapping paper can be easily recycled? Same goes for sticky tape, some styles of ribbons, and shiny/glitter paper.
Traditional wrapping is known to be hard for the planet. Try repurposing old newspapers, paper shopping bags, or use plain, brown, recyclable paper. Decorate with twine, or draw your own patterns.
Wrap presents in fabric, like a silky cloth or durable towel. Fabric wrap can be a gift in itself for the receiver to wrap their hair or use in the kitchen.
Have fun and be creative!
Natural Decorations
Consider a craft and decorating day with your family!
Reusing what you have from previous years is always best, but try natural alternatives such as pinecones, foraging and tying together your own branches, or pomanders (decorative oranges pierced with cloves, which as they dry, releases a lovely fragrance).
Shop Local
Retailers across Canada will be feeling the pressure on our postal system this year.
See if local businesses are available for safe shopping, have an online store, or have delivery available in your area. Furthermore, gift cards are a great way to support local businesses and restaurants.
By shopping local, you may also chance upon cool and unique items that just can’t be found anywhere else.
#AdoptAShopYEG: Linda Hoang’s list of neighborhood businesses in Edmonton
Edmonton Gift Guide 2020 by Ryan Spotowski
Donate
Many organizations such as pet adoption agencies, food banks, emergency and homeless shelters are continuing to operate under COVID-19. The pandemic adds additional logistical and financial challenges in keeping business safe and effective for everyone.
This season, consider donating to a charitable organization of your choice. You can take the time, for example, to browse the websites of organizations you’re interested in for their Most Needed lists of supplies.
Donation Drop Off Points by InformAlberta
#BundleUpYEG: List of donation items needed, delivered directly to homeless shelters and support organizations in Edmonton
Edmonton Humane Society “Wish List” of donatable items
Second Chance Animal Rescue Society Donation Drop off Locations
WINhouse COVID-19 Relief Fund
Experiences, Not Things
As we continue to stay safe over the season, we can make the effort to be more present with our loved ones.
As school winds down for many students, consider taking the time to be more involved with activities like board games, arts and crafts, cross country skiing, tobogganing, snowman-making, baking, and more.
CODO’s Holiday Camps: Minecraft and Roblox online camps
IllumiNATION, a virtual celebration of lights across Canada
Stay Home For the Holidays Virtual Scavenger Hunt
Edmonton Ski Club (Skiing, Snowboarding and Snow Tubing)
Handmade and Lasting
While we still continue to receive news and notice to buy the latest trendy presents, is what you’re buying going to last a season, or last several years?
Make your gifts count by choosing high quality items, items that are intended to last long (like a potted plant if you give it the care it needs!), items that children could grow into, experiences or opportunities to learn new things, or handmade items.
You’d be surprised how many people enjoy homemade gifts. Homemade gifts, whether art, writing, baking, or a handknit scarf, have a story and are made with love built right in. Another idea is to give ‘coupons’ such as a promise to shovel snow, have a movie night, or cover pizza delivery.
Wishing you a creative and restoring holidays from Qi Creative!
WOOSH!