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33 | O akville B eaver | T hursday,D ecem ber 2,2021 insidehalton.com Have a happy and green holiday season! Here are some easy ways to limit your household waste this holiday season: HaltonHighlights December2021 This page has been donated by this newspaper to communicate important information to Halton residents at no cost to taxpayers. Meetings at Halton Region 12 02 21 Regional Council meetings are taking place through web conferencing until further notice. Videos will be posted to halton.ca. Visit halton.ca for the full schedule. We all have a role in stopping the spread of COVID-19. Gary Carr, Regional Chair Shop local to support Halton businesses Many local businesses have adapted and enhanced services to keep our community safe during the pandemic. This holiday season, give your support by: Buying gifts close to home: Many stores in Halton offer in-store and online options so you can do your holiday shopping in the way that works best for you! You can also consider purchasing gift cards to local retailers or restaurants. Decorating using locally-sourced greenery: Use our Simply Local map on halton.ca to find nearby garden centres and Christmas tree farms where you can pick up greenery and seasonal décor. When shopping in person, please continue to follow public health guidance and remember to be patient, kind and respectful. Thank you for shopping local! By supporting businesses in our community, we keep Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire. Be prepared for winter emergencies Severe winter weather can bring heavy snowfall, freezing rain and extreme cold. Emergencies can happen at any time, and being prepared can be as easy as following three easy steps: To learn more about what to include in your emergency kit and what else you can do to prepare, visit our Preparing for Emergencies page on halton.ca. Thank you for your ongoing efforts to reduce, reuse, recycle and compost! To learn more, visit halton.ca/waste or check your 2022 Halton Region Guide and Waste Collection Calendar--available online and in mailboxes this month. Wrap gifts with everyday items, such as brown packing paper, fabric or cookie tins. Bring a reusable bag when doing your holiday shopping. Use tissue paper free of tape and glitter, which can be put in the Green Cart. Shop for fresh local food using our Simply Local map. Use our weekly Blue Box and Green Cart programs to ensure recyclables are turned into new products and organics into compost! Know the risks Be aware of what weather conditions and potential hazards could lead to an emergency, and check for dangerous driving conditions before leaving your home. Make a plan Know what to do in an emergency, who to contact, where exits are located in your home or apartment building, and how you would respond if severe weather leaves you without running water or power. Get a kit Make or buy an emergency kit that contains including food, water, warm clothing and other essential supplies to keep everyone in your family healthy for at least 72 hours. You should also create a kit for your car in case of an emergency on the road.