During the holiday season, many people love to give food to their local food banks to help people who are less fortunate. But instead of emptying your pantry of food you really don't want to eat -- pickled beets, anyone? -- take a cue from the "wish list" of your local food bank. The No. 1 most requested item? One hundred percent real juice boxes for kids. Not sugary juice drinks, but healthier versions made from real fruit. Also, holiday food items like canned yams, cranberry sauce and boxed stuffing are up on the list, so when you are buying for your own pantry, buy a second set to give. Finally, canned vegetables that have "no salt added" are up there since they are loaded with vitamins and help families create well-rounded meals.

It may sound like a problem for "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," but if you want to do one thing to help our oceans, consider passing on eating caviar. Caviar varieties like beluga and wild-caught sturgeon are species that are often overfished. Generally, caviar is harvested from fish that can take many years to mature, and when they are matured, their eggs are collected, which makes repopulation difficult. If you must have caviar, look for American domestic kinds that come from a more sustainable form of fishing and -- bonus -- are often cheaper.

Did you know that close to 40 percent of holiday gifts are returned? Did you also know that 18 percent of gifts are donated to charity, 15 percent are re-gifted and a whopping 11 percent of gifts are tossed in the trash? That means only about 15 percent of gifts received this holiday season are actually kept and enjoyed. To help cut the waste, consider scrapping giving gifts that are too personal, like clothes, toys, electronics, jewelry, cosmetics and kitchen and bath items. Instead, think about experiential items like excursions to restaurants, a delicious bottle of organic wine or even a donation in the recipient's name to a worthwhile charity. We can cut the waste and give gifts that are a joy to give and a joy to receive.