Reduce Unnecessary Waste This Holiday Season

The holidays are a time of joy and sharing, a time spent with friends and family. Of course, they're also a time of excess and waste. According to the City of Chicago, household waste jumps 25 percent during the period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. In the United States alone, used gift-wrap and shopping bags weight in at 4 million tons. That's the bad news. The good news is you can do your part to reduce holiday waste. There are lots of ways to keep waste in check and enjoy an eco-friendly holiday season.

Take Reusable Bags When You're Shopping

This may sound like a no-brainer, but lots of people are still collecting bag upon bag from stores as they shop this holiday season. Put an end to the steady stream of bags by bringing your own -- and bring two or three more bags than you think you'll need, because all the things you need will have a way of piling up.

Avoid Excess Packaging

When you're purchasing gifts, look for items that are light on packaging. Think about last year's holiday celebrations: How much of the waste was paper, and how much was clamshell packaging, Styrofoam, and filmy plastic (which can't even be recycled)?

Cook Only What You'll Eat

This is a tough one, but try to judge how much food you'll need for your holiday feast. If you have lots of leftovers, send some home with guests to avoid throwing away a good portion of it in a few days' time.

Clean Up With Reusable Cloths and Towels

It can be tempting to reach for a roll of paper towels when there's a spill, but resist! Paper products made for cleaning are made for waste. Instead of stocking up on paper towels, paper napkins, and throwaway cloths, be prepared with lots of reusable alternatives. Stock up on dishtowels and cloths, purchase or sew a set of fabric napkins, and cut up a stack of clean rags from old T-shirts for mopping up messy spills. Not only are these options greener, they'll also save you money in the long run.

Just Say No to Disposable Plates and Utensils

Paper or plastic plates and plastic forks, knives and spoons may seem easier and the better choice for a large crowd, but they're a horrible and unnecessary waste. If you don't have enough plates or utensils to go around, ask mom, a sibling, or a friend if they can donate their dinnerware and flatware for the occasion. Most good friends and family would be happy to help. Yes, there will be a lot of dishes, but if it's a family affair, then everyone can pitch in to clean up after the big feast.

Forego the Wrapping Paper

Wrapping paper is mostly unnecessary. You can wrap gifts with gently used paper items, such as maps, newspapers, and even pages from books that have fallen apart. Better yet, avoid paper products altogether and go with a reusable option. Cloth bags and stockings are lovely, and they become part of the gift. "Wrap" large items in boxes or crates picked up at your local second-hand shop. Tuck smaller items into a basket or a photo box. The possibilities are endless.

Save Wrapping Paper, Ribbon and Bows When Possible

If your family isn't willing to let go of the wrapping paper, ribbons and bows, then at least save what you can. Paper from large items can be saved to wrap small items next year, and ribbon and bows are almost always in great condition for next year, and maybe even the year after.

Reducing your waste over the holidays doesn't mean we have to alter our family traditions, it just means we need to rethink how we do things so that we make greener choices.