Out of every $10 spent on store purchases, $1 (10%)goes for packaging that is thrown away.

Around 125,000 tons of plastic packaging are thrown away over the holiday season. Try using reusable bags when shopping.

Make your own food based gifts such as cookies, cakes or truffles. You could also make your own flavored organic olive oil, adding dried chillies, garlic or herbs.

We produce 25% more trash during the holiday season – 25 million extra tons of waste. Find ways to cut your contribution.

Shop online to save gas or bring your reusable shopping bags.

Use tap water for cooking. Open windows to cool down insead of turning on the AC. Only prepare what will actually be eaten.

When it comes time to replace a large appliance like a refrigerator, air conditioner, washer/dryer, or water heater, look for Energy Star label products.

When shopping for a new appliance, consider one offering cycle and load size adjustments. They are more water and energy-efficient than older appliances.

Grab a few reusable bags for the grocery store. They’re a very small expence to stop using paper and plastic.

Recycle plastic bottles and give all those resources a new life as carpet, fleece or as a new bottle. Manufacturers have come up with a host of ways to recycle plastic into new useful items.