The holiday season brings a lot of waste and the Thompson Nicola Regional District has some advise to keep some of that out of our landfill.

Waste Reduction Coordinator for the TNRD, Andrew Roebbelen, said on the NL Morning News, that we should be mindful when wrapping presents and avoid single use papers.

“I’ve seen people use old maps, even newspapers, comic strips. All of those kind of things can really fun wrapping paper for kids and if you’re going with wrapping paper just make sure it’s all paper and then it can all be recycled, you just have to be mindful of what you’re grabbing.”

Robbelen suggests its also important to be thoughtful when it comes to how we’re giving our gifts. He says we should try to avoid one use material when wrapping presents.

“Many of the wrapping papers you get do have to go into the landfill because they aren’t just paper, they have plastics and foils and all sorts of other things which makes them look pretty and sparkly and all of that but makes them not recyclable.”

Roebbelen says gift bags are a good option as they can be reused or even wrapping a gift with another gift that you’re giving like towels or bed sheets.