19 Nov Let’s Reduce Waste This Holiday Season

Well once again, here we are. The holiday season is upon us. This time of the year means different things to different people. It could be time with family, time off work (oh yeah!), or time to make a fresh start. But one thing is common to all traditions: the most wonderful time of the year can easily become the most wasteful time of the year!

Don’t let it happen to you. This year, make a few simple changes to reduce your holiday waste.

Christmas light bulbs (photo credit: Bubbels)

We all waste food at one time or another, but during the holidays this can increase by obscene amounts. This year, focus on the quality of the food you eat, not the quantity. Treat your loved ones to one decadently expensive box of chocolates instead of mountains of sugary, waxy junk. Make meals together from scratch to reduce the amount of packaged foods used.

Whether you’re having a holiday party or celebrating with presents under the tree, take a few moments to plan ahead for the inevitable barrage of trash. Always have a recycling bag or bin handy to make sure you don’t waste what could be made new again.

Take the opportunity while everyone is distracted by their new fancy gadgets to de-clutter your house. Search high and low for broken or outdated electronics, power tools and electronic kids toys. New cell phones in the stockings? Make sure to collect your old ones.

Here’s a free holiday tip for you: go right now and grab a box and label it “Island Return It”. Throughout the next month, keep the box handy and fill it up with stuff to bring in. Once your January hangover has passed, bring your box into one of our locations and know that you’ve done your part to make this holiday season a little bit greener!

Here are some examples of what to put in the box: electronics, computers, batteries, cell phones, small appliances, power tools, gadgets, and more. And be sure to throw in that nest of old christmas lights that you still have for some reason.

And finally…booze. Keep your bottles and cans and bring them in for CASH! Something we could all use a little more of this time of year.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Island Return It Recycling Centres!!