More than ever before people are making a conscious effort to recycle and reuse everything they can. That definitely includes tons of holiday decorations, wrapping paper and gifts that will never be used.
Instead of throwing everything away without a second thought, get creative and repurpose old cards, gifts, wrapping paper and other items that hide in the corners of homes.
Here are five tips that might help you save money and send less waste to the landfill:
Recycling gifts
Many people are starting a new tradition of gift recycling, meaning giving unneeded gifts to other members of their family.
You can change the gift-receiving rituals and get your family and friends together for a potluck dinner, where everybody is happy, saving money and reducing stress and expectations of gift-giving. If the thought of gift recycling makes you uncomfortable, then give gifts to women’s shelters or homeless centres.
Donate your ornaments
As the years pass our ornaments change and we outgrow the ones we bought decades ago; we have new treasures and traditions for the tree. It is the memories associated with the ornaments that make them hard to part with; if you find yourself with too many to put on the tree, or around the house, it is time to purge. Consider donating your excess to thrift stores for people who can’t afford brand new items. If you’re just starting out on your own and want to make it seem “a lot like Christmas” check out the local thrift stores, you’ll be surprised at the treasures you can find.
Use boxes and cookie tins
Save time and energy by not wrapping gifts for your family. Instead, use attractive boxes, bags and cookie tins for easy and functional gift wrap. Simply place the gift inside, close and tie with a ribbon. If kept dry to prevent rusting, tins are useful for many years to come. Don’t forget to pack some of your delicious holiday cookies for your favourite aunt, mail carrier, a teacher or a lonely senior.
Reuse your tree
Special Olympics BC-Powell River hosts a tree mulching fundraiser event from 10 am to 1 pm on Sunday, January 5, in the parking area below Mother Nature on Duncan Street. For a donation they will chip your tree and reuse it as mulch or wood chips. Everybody benefits and it’s a lot of fun.
Buy memorable gifts
Instead of buying gifts that might not be used or appreciated, make donations to a good cause. Have a party with your family and friends to celebrate your holiday and life. Give an adventure: a trip to a local resort or spa for adults; and for children, to the movies or a fun park. Take lots of pictures and create a scrapbook for everyone to enjoy.
Ranka Burzan owns a professional organizing company based in Powell River and has written several books on reducing clutter and becoming more organized. For information, go to .
