Waste Prevention Over Holidays

The holiday season brings joy but also a significant increase in waste, with U.S. household garbage rising by 25% from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, resulting in an additional 1 million tons of waste, with 21% of that being food. Specific estimates for Thanksgiving alone suggest that around 312 to 316 million pounds of food is wasted. Food waste in landfills contributes to harmful methane emissions

As the holiday season approaches, it's a great time to integrate waste reduction into the holiday season. Here are some ways to green your winter holiday celebrations:

• Food plan like a pro: Plan portions to match your guest list, save and share leftovers - invite guests to bring containers, compost food scraps in your yard debris cart, cool and toss grease in a container and then trash - it should never go down the drain, freeze extra food for future meals.
• Prioritize Experiences: Gift experiences like outdoor adventures, concert tickets, dance or cooking classes to create lasting memories instead of adding to material clutter.
• Support Local: Choose gifts from local artisans, small shops and pop up markets.
• Smart Online Shopping: Consolidate purchases and choose retailers with minimal or eco-friendly packaging to make environmentally conscious choices.
• Focus on Quality: High-quality, practical gifts that last longer, reducing waste and the need for replacements.
• Thrift Store Treasures: Find unique gifts at thrift stores and vintage shops, supporting sustainability while offering one-of-a-kind items.
• Energy-Efficient Lighting: Use LED lights for decorations to save energy and enjoy a longer lifespan.
• Reusable Wrap: Choose cloth bags or fabric wraps over non-recyclable wrapping paper.
• DIY Wrapping: Create your own wrapping paper from old maps, sheet music, or children's artwork for a personal touch.
• Composting and Reusables: Set up a composting station for food scraps and use reusable dinnerware and cloth napkins. Store leftovers in reusable containers to minimize plastic waste. Check out the reusable kit through the Environmental Center.