SouthShoreNow.ca

TINA HENNIGAR
* Wrap christmas gifts in newspaper. Don't use ribbons, bows or tape, just use recyclable twine.
* When giving gifts of food, baked beans for example, package them in reusable mason jars. They make for a better presentation.
* If your business uses paper invoices have them send out e-invoices. Customers prefer it anyway.
* When Christmas shopping be sure to remember your reusable bags.
* Christmas morning set us a recycling center in the room where you are opening gifts. That way people will be more likely to separate before disposing.
* Hostess gifts- if bringing a gift to a party, like a bottle of wine, forgo the wine bag. Or simply make a donation to a local charity in lieu of.
* Christmas lights are nice, and putting up half as many is even nicer. Make sure they're LED.
* Have your lights on a timer.
* When buying Christmas gifts, be mindful of waste. Does my sister need another set of dishes, when she'll only have to discard her old ones. Does my father need a new tool belt when his old one is probably fine. Think of gifts that are required or really wanted. Don't be afraid to ask for a wish list. Food certificates, pyjamas, gas card.
* Make a family pact to not exchange gifts, but instead to have a nice dinner or to donate to a charity. Have a group of girlfriends go for spa treatments.
* If your kids are asking for dirt bikes or snowmobiles get snow shoes for the whole family. They're better for their health, the environment and it's fun!

ANDREA DEMOND
* Re-use wrapping paper - the inside of potato chip bags can be for wrapping paper, just wash and recycle.

ASHLEY JOUDREY
* Instead of throwing out clothes that either don't fit or your bored of, pass them on to friends, family or the Dawson Daisy.

SUSAN SPIDLE
* Repair rather than replace. I got my refrigerator repaired for almost the same price as getting a new one. I saved it from the land fill.

CAROLYN EKINS
* Use GREENCYCLE. Swap or giveaway items you would normally just throw away. Someone could make use of them!
* Avoid buying fresh food wrapped in plastic wherever possible.
* Turn down your heating and wrap up. This not only saves on bills but reduces the amount of fossil fuel burnt.
* Shop Locally. Buy fresh, in season food from local producers wherever possible. This reduces air miles and supports the local economy.

CINDY BEAZLEY
I make scrap paper out of any 8 1/2 x 11 size letters or flyers that have nothing on the back. I just cut them into four sections and then I have scraps of paper for grocery lists or reminders of things to do or to leave by the phone for phone messages. Works great and I am reusing the paper.

A. CURTIN
Selling Eco-Friendly Klean Kanteens stainless steel water bottles & giving back portion of sales to community groups..

SARAH WILLIAMS
I collect all the plastic bags I can and put them into the blue bag for recycling. It is amazing just how many of these bags are everywhere you look - along the roads, on town and city streets, in parking lots, on beaches, etc.

ELFREDA VIENOT
Purchase recylable shopping bags and always remember to take them with you shopping, a good way to do this is after finishing with them, put them back in your vehicle so you won't forget them the next time you go shopping.

RACHEL BECK
* We bought new LED Xmas lights this year, to save on power.
* We use our PC black cloth grocery bags all the time when we shop.

BOB HILLOCKS
We sort all waste, use reusable tote bags and try to buy goods which use a minimum amount of packaging.

JANA PATTON
Place a tennis ball into your drier. This helps dry clothes quicker and reduces static electricity...