NATIONWIDE — Colder days and the holiday seasons are approaching. It is time to prepare for sweater weather and upcoming seasonal festivities. 

As we finish out 2023, be sure to keep the environment in mind and look for ways to continue being a friend of the environment. 

Need some help? We’ve compiled a list of handy holiday/seasonal suggestions to get you started.

Dining and entertaining

Reduce wasted food. Compost whenever possible (remember: turkey meat and bones do not go in a home compost pile).

Plan ahead and consider portions before grocery shopping.

Put leftovers in a prominent place in the fridge so they get eaten first.

Send leftovers home with dinner guests in reusable containers.

Ask guests to bring reusable containers if they can.

Reduce single-use plastics

Choose reusable plates, cups, silverware and napkins.

When getting takeout, say no to single-use/disposable forks, spoons, knives, straws and other add-ons if you do not need them.

Create an on-the-go reuse kit with these items to be used when you don’t plan to eat your takeout food at home.

Reuse items in your closet

Look at your clothing with fresh eyes. Can you mix and match items for a new spin on a holiday outfit?

This is a great time to donate clothing you no longer use—coats, gloves, hats, scarves and more are needed in the colder months.

Consider a clothing swap with friends to stretch and invigorate your holiday wardrobes.

Decorate the sustainable way

Decorate a table centerpiece with apples, pinecones and cinnamon sticks.

Opt for LED holiday string lights.

Properly dispose of or recycle used lights—remember that string lights are “tanglers” and do not belong in your home recycling bin. Look for a take-back program through a local home improvement store.

Upcycle items to make your own holiday decorations.

Use pinecones, apples, leaves, pumpkins and other natural décor items for centerpieces. Compost leftovers after the holiday season.

Adding holiday or seasonal decorations you already own to a bowl or vase also makes for nice table décor and centerpieces.

Textile scraps can be used to make your own holiday stockings. The stockings can be sewn or glued; let them dry well around the hems.

Place LED lights or holiday decorations on house plants you already have.

Make a homemade decoration as a one-of-a-kind gift.

Put lights on a timer to minimize energy usage.

For more information, visit www.dec.ny.gov/. To learn about food-waste composting programs in your area, contact your recycling center.

Contributed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.