Metro Vancouver wants you to create memories, not garbage

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METRO VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Metro Vancouver is encouraging people around the region to create memories, not garbage this holiday season.

It has launched its annual initiative to urge people to try low-waste gift and entertaining ideas so that less packaging and fewer decorations end up in the landfill after Christmas.

Larina Lopez with Metro Vancouver says every effort helps and she recommends giving experiences, like movies or music lessons.

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If you are giving a gift, Lopez says you could try using reusable gift wrap.

Another idea from Metro Vancouver? Build your own “alternative Christmas tree” out of household items.

To inspire people to celebrate the spirit of the season while cutting down on waste, Metro Vancouver has compiled over 170 creative low-waste gift ideas, plus dozens of gift wrapping, decorating and hosting tips.

The Merry Memory Maker — a web-based app for mobile and desktop platforms — helps you choose low-waste gifts at any price range, with a focus on experiences and long-lasting presents. The app has been updated to include more gift ideas than ever before, a directory of where to find each item, and the ability to save favourites to a wish list for later.

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You can also experience the Merry Memory Maker and get gift ideas in person at these upcoming events:

• Lights at Lafarge Kick-Off, November 24 (Coquitlam Town Centre Park)

• Surrey Tree Lighting Festival, November 24 (Surrey City Hall Plaza)

• Christmas in the Village, December 2 (Cannery Farmers’ Market, Richmond)

• Got Craft? Holiday Edition, December 8 – 9 (Maritime Labour Centre, Vancouver)

• Light & Dark: Seasonal Arts Experience, December 15 (Shadbolt Centre, Burnaby)

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Create memories, not garbage runs through till the end of December across the region online, on public transit, on social media and on TV.

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