What do bungee jumping, opera tickets and snowboard lessons have in common?They are all great gift ideas that create memories, not garbage.鈥淲hat are your favourite Christmas memories?鈥� said Lois Jackson, Delta mayor and chair of the Metro Vancouver regional district鈥檚 board.Favourite Christmas memories probably involve spending time with friends and family.鈥淲e can continue to celebrate different cultural and religious traditions by making gift choices that reduce garbage and help protect the environment,鈥� Jackson said.鈥淭his holiday season, you can be a green angel too.鈥滷or the fourth year in a row, Metro Vancouver member municipalities, which include the and , are encouraging residents to have a festive holiday season and be sustainable, or 鈥榞reen鈥� while doing so. Consider that what you purchase will eventually need to be disposed. So, think about buying higher quality, more durable gifts. Or, give experiences rather than gifts.Here are some ideas to help you get started . . .鈥� Choose classic toys that are made locally and can be passed on;鈥� Board games last and can be enjoyed be friends and family during game nights;* One of a kind or handmade accessories for the fashionista in your life;* Organize a family skate;* Host an amazing dinner for all your friends.* Treat someone to a live performance of the theatre, opera or comedy;* Teach a new skill 鈥� cooking, snowboarding or whatever you鈥檙e good at;* Make a donation in someone鈥檚 name to a cause they support, and* Support local businesses in your municipality by buying locally-made items or shopping in your neighbourhood.This Christmas season, Metro Vancouver has created attention-grabbing posters that show 鈥榰nexpected鈥� examples of people giving gifts of time, experiences or long-lasting gifts. The artwork will appear on websites, in public places such as SkyTrain stations, and as advertisements in some media outlets.Check out the 鈥楥reate memories, not garbage鈥� video on the home page of the regional district鈥檚 website, For a direct link to several videos and other resources, visit: You can send someone a Zero Waste holiday greeting by emailing a free e-card. Watch videos on memorable stories and unique gift ideas. And learn more about the garbage issue.
