Christmas is often referred to as the happiest time of the year.
But unfortunately for the environment, it's also one of the most wasteful. And that's something Richmond-headquartered London Drugs is hoping to change with some easy to implement ideas to reduce what goes into landfills across the country.
According to Stats Canada, the annual waste generated in Canada from giftwrapping and shopping bags equals about 545,000 tonnes. And if every Canadian family was able to reduce one kilogram during the Christmas holidays that would eliminate 34,000 tonnes of garbage.
"There are a number of things consumers can do before and after Christmas to significantly reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills over the holiday season," said Maury McCausland, administrator of retail operations for Richmondbased London Drugs.
The most important thing is to be diligent about your waste decisions over the holidays, and make the effort to bring in those unwanted items that can so easily be put into the trash.
"In the excitement of a new gift, we need to remember we can bring back most the materials that come with that gift," McCausland said, adding this is the prime time for people to get a new tech gadget gift, but many people aren't sure what to do with their old appliance or device once they upgrade.
All electronic appliances from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are sent to the GEEP plant in Edmonton, AB, dismantled into its component parts, and sold as commodities or reused.
Customers can also bring back their Styrofoam, cosmetics and candy wrappers, among other items.
For years, London Drugs has offered its Bring Back the Pack, the company's take-back program (greendeal.ca/bringback-the-pack) for anything purchased at their stores.
All you need to do is drop off your packaging at customer service as you leave the store, or bring it back later with a receipt.
