Household waste can increase more than 25% over the holidays. The majority of nearly half-a-million tonnes of holiday waste that goes to Canadian landfills each year is made up of discarded gift-wrapping and shopping bags.
In Peterborough, and many other municipalities, plastic and foil wrapping paper, bubble wrap, ribbons, and gift bows, go into the garbage over the holidays and are trucked off to our landfill.
Rethinking gift-wrapping does not mean you have to forgo the excitement, anticipation, and surprises. In fact, it’s actually an opportunity to personalize your gifts, to have some fun, and be creative in the process.
To get you started, here are a few gift-wrapping items that are definitely on the naughty list and should be avoided:
- Glitter
- Plastic ribbon
- Metallic wrapping paper
- Tape