To encourage waste reduction practices during the festive season, Thunder Bay Solid Waste & Recycling Services is thrilled to launch the Ho Ho Ho-ld the Waste Holiday Waste Reduction Contest. The contest invites local residents to demonstrate their commitment to reducing the waste they produce during the holidays through creative and sustainable solutions. The contest begins today, runs through Jan. 3, and features three themed weeks, each focusing on a different aspect of holiday waste reduction:

  • Week #1 - Low Waste Giving (Dec. 13-19) - sustainable gifts that leave a minimal environmental footprint: think thrifted, reusable and organic gifts, consumable/edible items or experiences, gifts in eco-friendly packaging, etc.
  • Week #2 - No Waste Entertaining (Dec. 20-26) – using reusable tableware instead of disposable, creating zero-waste meals, decorating your home from recycled materials, etc.
  • Week #3 - Conscious Clean Up (Dec. 27-Jan. 3) - responsible disposal and repurposing: properly sorting your recyclables/gift wrap, composting your tree, donating unwanted gifts instead of throwing them out. Show how you are starting the New Year with a clean slate.

To enter, participants must Follow the Thunder Bay Solid Waste & Recycling Services Facebook page, and post photos or videos on Facebook showcasing their waste-reduction efforts relative to the week’s theme, using the hashtag #HoHoHoldTheWaste

"We are dedicated to promoting sustainability and waste reduction in the city, and what better time than the holiday season to showcase how we can celebrate in an environmentally responsible way,” said Jason Sherband, Manager of Solid Waste & Recycling Services. "A considerable amount of waste is typically generated during the holiday season - we are excited to see the inventive and practical solutions people can come up with to reduce that."

Winners will be selected weekly based on creativity and theme relevance, and each winner will receive a prize pack. For more information on the Ho Ho Ho-ld the Waste Holiday Waste Reduction Contest, including complete rules and eligibility criteria, please visit thunderbay.ca/christmas

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Contact:          Jason Sherband, Manager – Solid Waste & Recycling Services, 807-625-3851