After the holidays, local garbage bins and landfills become inundated with wrapping paper, discarded decorations, and other items.

In an effort to encourage citizens to reduce the waste they produce over the holiday season, Metro Vancouver has launched a website with a collection of 170 low-waste ideas and tips. If you still haven't finished your Christmas shopping or are having trouble coming up with gift ideas, this can be a helpful resource.

The suggestions, as part of Metro Vancouver's annual Create Memories, Not Garbage campaign, span gift-wrapping, decorating, food, and hosting parties, as well as what to do after Christmas with packaging, electronic waste, Christmas trees, and preparing for New Year's Eve.

In addition, the web-based Merry Memory Maker app (for mobile or desktop devices) can help users choose low-waste gifts or opt for experiences—such as movie or theatre tickets, cooking or sewing classes, personal training, or guided tours—or more enduring presents—such as symbolically adopting a wildlife animal, online subscriptions, reusable bags, or bicycles.

For full details, visit the Create Memories, Not Garbage website.