During the holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s estimated that food waste increases by 25%, on top of the 30% to 40% of our food supply that Americans throw away on average. To reduce this, think of holiday meals as you would any meal, rather than as all-you-can-eat feasts. Encourage guests to bring take-home containers with them, or offer reusable containers for them to borrow. And think about reducing other waste by deploying reusable flatware, glasses, dishes and napkins instead of disposable.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It’s estimated nearly 30 million live Christmas trees are sold every year in the United States, which means a lot of people are shopping for holiday decorations for the tree. Instead of buying new, why not consider thrifting for antique or vintage pieces? Or make DIY snowflakes and other paper decor using scrap paper or items from the recycling bin. Even natural items like dried fruit, pinecones and cinnamon sticks are good biodegradable alternatives to adorn the tree.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It might be shiny, sparkly and fun, but glitter is also well known for getting everywhere, and it’s an ecological problem. Those tiny particles are microplastics, which are among the biggest culprits of water pollution. So avoid glitter when you’re buying greeting cards, cosmetics, decorative items, craft supplies, etc. And it isn't just loose glitter you need to avoid -- it can be found embedded in gift wrap, ribbon, fashion accessories and more. Until it’s banned, give glitter a hard no.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION