As we catapult into the holiday season, one of the first things that comes to our minds is food. Making it. Sharing it. Eating it. And, unfortunately, throwing it away. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Americans threw out over 38 million tons of food in 2014. That’s equivalent to throwing away hundreds of millions of dollars in cash! In addition to saving money, the EPA states that reducing food wastes helps support the community; lowers methane emissions from decomposing food; and conserves energy from growing, harvesting, and transporting food.

Here is a quick list of ways to prevent your food from ending up in a landfill as you prepare to get together with your friends and family:

• Eat your leftovers before the holidays begin. You know you won’t even be thinking
  about them until next week, and by that time it will be too late.
• Get creative with your holiday meals! Use what you already have to make up some tasty, non traditional side dishes. Bonus: your family will thank you for not being the fifth person to bring a variation of yams.
• Have to-go containers ready. Hosting? Grab a box of gallon-sized bags, fill them with leftovers, and slip them in the hands of your company as they leave. Guest? Throw some empty containers in your car before leaving home.
• Donate. If you have elderly or sick neighbors, or anyone who would benefit from a nice hot meal, fix them up a plate and make a delivery.
• Take only what you can eat. We all want to try everything, but avoid the pitfall of piling up the plate. You can always go back for more.

So, as you’re hugging those around you and stuffing your tummies with all of the delicious
dishes, keep in mind that it can be easy (and fulfilling!) to maintain a conscious mind about
reducing food waste.