(Family Features) Holiday celebrations bring joy, laughter, and lasting memories—but they can also leave a sleigh full of trash. From leftover food and empty bottles to wrapping paper and decorations, the season can leave your home full of items that could be reused or recycled.
According to survey results from the Center for Biological Diversity, household waste actually increases by nearly 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year's. That's a lot of leftovers, garland, and glass that could be kept out of landfills.
To help you reduce waste and enjoy a happy, low-waste holiday season, the experts at CalRecycle offer these five holiday hacks to help you save money and protect the planet.
- Plan meals to waste less and save more
- Stock up first to avoid buying what you already have.
- Buy only what you need and prepare recipes based on the number of guests.
- Choose local ingredients from sources like farmers markets that minimize packaging.
- Send guests home with leftovers in reusable containers or freeze leftovers for future meals.
- Recycle food scraps
- Not all food can be saved, but it doesn't have to end up in the trash either.
- Compost fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, coffee grounds and plate scraps. Wasted food causes climate pollution in landfills. Instead, recycle it in your green bin.
- Most California communities now offer green bin composting. Learn what goes in the green bin by visiting the Curb Your Food Scraps page at RecyclingReimaginedCA.com.
- Place a clearly marked bin for leftover food next to your trash, as well as a recycling bin for bottles, cans and other containers so everyone can participate.
- Eat, drink and be environmentally friendly
- Use reusable plates, cups and utensils instead of disposable items.
- Decorate with items you can use year after year or make compostable decorations from natural materials.
- Collect empty wine, liquor, juice, or other containers that meet the California Redemption Value (CRV) and trade them in once the party is over.
- Serve water in reusable pitchers or carafes instead of single-use plastic bottles.
- Give more eco-friendly gifts
- Choose experiences over things like tickets to events, museum or club memberships, signing up for classes or shared adventures.
- Wrap gifts in fabric, scarves or reusable containers. Or use recyclable paper without glitter or foil.
- Personalize gifts with homemade crafts, baked goods or services that reduce packaging.
- Prioritize gifts from local and sustainable companies that are committed to ethical sourcing, minimal packaging and recycled materials.
- Sort holiday waste correctly
- After the festivities, check local recycling regulations to learn how to properly dispose of:
- Batteries
- Christmas lights
- Christmas trees
- Provide CRV-appropriate beverage containers, such as: B. wine and spirits containers, at the nearest recycling point to get your money back.
- Donate unwanted gifts or gently used Christmas items to local charities or thrift stores.
Make this season fun and sustainable by finding more tips and recycling locations near you at RecyclingReimaginedCA.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
