·      Shop your pantry first to avoid buying what you already have.

·      Buy only what you need and prepare recipes based on guest count.

·      Choose local ingredients from sources like farmers markets that minimize packaging.

·      Send guests home with leftovers in reusable containers or freeze extras for future meals.

𝟐. 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐬

·      Not all food can be saved, but it doesn’t have to go in the trash.

·      Compost fruit and vegetable trimmings, eggshells, coffee grounds and plate scrapings. Trashed food makes climate pollution in landfills. Recycle it in your green bin instead.

·      Most California communities now offer green bin composting. Learn what goes in the green bin by visiting the Curb Your Food Scraps page on RecyclingReimaginedCA.com.

·      Set out a clearly labeled “food scraps” bin next to your trash, as well as a recycling bin for bottles, cans and other containers so everyone can participate.


𝟑. 𝐄𝐚𝐭, 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐞 𝐄𝐜𝐨-𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲

·      Use reusable plates, cups and utensils instead of disposable options.

·      Decorate with items you can use year after year or make compostable decor from natural materials.

·      Collect empty wine, liquor, juice or other California Redemption Value (CRV)-eligible containers and cash them in once the party is over.

·      Serve water in reusable pitchers or carafes instead of single-use plastic bottles.


𝟒. 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐬

·      Choose experiences over stuff, like tickets to events, museum or club memberships, registrations for classes or shared adventures.

·      Wrap gifts in fabric, scarves or reusable tins. Or use recyclable paper without glitter or foil.

·      Personalize presents with homemade crafts, baked goods or services that reduce packaging.

·      Prioritize gifts from local and sustainable businesses that are committed to ethical sourcing, minimal packaging and recycled materials.


𝟓. 𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐲

·      After the celebrations, check local recycling rules for how to properly dispose of:

o   Batteries

o   Holiday lights

o   Christmas trees

·      Drop off CRV-eligible beverage containers, such as wine and spirit containers, at your nearest recycling site for cash back.

·      Donate unwanted gifts or gently used holiday items to local charities or thrift stores.

Make this season joyful and sustainable by finding more tips and recycling locations near you at RecyclingReimaginedCA.com.