Zero-Waste Holidays

by Benoît Bleau, translated by Catherine Stratford (December 2019)

The Holiday Season is the time of year when people in Quebec spend the most money, even going as far as falling into debt, just to buy something for that special someone. Why must one absolutely buy expensive gifts? Is this the true meaning of the Holiday? What really counts?

Stores display the most recent gadgets and try very hard to convince us that we really need to own these to be happy, or that we really can’t manage without them, no matter the cost. So, we often find ourselves further in debt, and encumbered with yet another object that we may use from time to time, but that mainly spends time in a cupboard somewhere, or ends up getting thrown out. The outcome is that we are poorer than we were, we aren’t any happier and we are adding to pollution in the World.

At this time of year, wouldn’t you rather be spending quality time with friends and family, sharing with those less fortunate, and trying to do more for the planet? Here are some suggestions of gifts that are inexpensive, and that will have a positive impact on your environment.

Recycled gifts : objects you are no longer using, that are still in good condition, and which can still be used by others. Why not take advantage of this opportunity, by passing these on? But be careful not to pass on a burden to someone else! If you cannot find the right person to give it to, consider bringing it to the St-Romain Thrift Shop, where someone else may be happy to buy and use it for a reasonable price.

Home-made gifts : are you good at sewing, knitting, wood-work, painting, crafts, etc.? You could consider making something for your loved ones. Or why not consider making an eco-friendly gift, like bees’ wax food wrap, home-made vegetable bags or cloth handkerchiefs…

Home-Cooking : You don’t need to be a Chef to offer home-made cooking or baking. All you need is a good recipe and ingredients. Everyone appreciates home-cooking! Furthermore, you can custom-make your gift to reflect the recipient’s particular needs and preferences (vegetarian; vegan; flexitarian; omnivore, locavore…) you can also respect their particular limitations (food allergies or intolerances). It is a really nice way to open up to other people, to be considerate of their particular needs. While you are at it, why not use locally produced ingredients, when possible, and even better, those from your own garden.

Repairs : Your elderly Aunt really loves her old rocking chair but is not able to use it anymore because it has become unstable and dangerous. Why not offer to repair it as a gift? On the internet, we can find out how to repair pretty much anything, today. Giving a second life to an object is a great way to keep it out of the landfill site or the wood stove!

Shared Gifts : The hardest thing we seem to find these days is time to spend with our loved ones. The Holidays give us the opportunity to relax. Why not offer to share activities with your loved ones, winter sports, a nice walk, an evening at the theatre, a visit to the museum, cooking, making crafts…The important thing is to find the time to be with those you care for, to create happy memories to share.

Store-bought Eco-Friendly gifts : If you have not found the ideal gift in the previous paragraphs, may I suggest you buy an Ecofriendly gift that will, at very least, have a positive impact on the the environment. For example, a bamboo or stainless-steel drinking straw can replace one-time-use straws; Silicone food storage bags can replace Ziploc bags; a travel-cup thermos can replace throw-away cups; bamboo utensils or or a sturdy plastic or glass plate for a child’s lunchbox. These are but a few suggestions, you can get more ideas from visiting a Zero Waste boutique or online boutique. Be creative with your wrapping, use an old Xmas stocking, reusable bags or even a dishtowel!

Since the Holidays is mainly a time to get together and party, challenge your guests to adopt more “zero-waste” practices, this year. You could, for example, have a zero-waste banquet, using cloth napkins, real plates and glasses, and non-plastic utensils. Having a potluck? Ask your guests to bring a locally-produced drink or food.

We are very lucky in Hemmingford to have so much choice in this department, with so many local Cider Houses and Vineyards. Another idea is to have a potluck using only foods bought in bulk, getting together to prepare the food using the least packaging possible

The main thing is to share joy with others, while being conscious of your environment. Happy Eco-Friendly Holidays and Happy New Year!