The DeLish Bite

The holidays are a time when waste increases dramatically and we should all try to think about ways that we can cut back to make our holiday a little bit greener. Here are some simple foodie inspired tips that can help you plan ahead to reduce your waste and green your holidays!

1. Buy local produce. Whenever possible, purchase seasonal and local produce and perishables from your local neighborhood farmers market.

2. Purchase an organic or free range turkey or ham or whatever type of meat you serve for Christmas. There are so many wonderful organic butchers around now so take advantage. One of my faves is Rowe Farms (www.rowefarms.ca)

3. Reduce waste by promptly refrigerating leftovers – and enjoy them the next day in turkey sandwiches!

4. When decorating your home for the holidays, be creative and use things around your house as vases, candle holders etc to avoid purchasing more items!

5. Instead of making centerpieces out of items that must be purchased and then stored or discarded like flowers or ornaments, try filling your bowls and vases with holiday treats like local produce or fair trade chocolates. Your guests will love the extra opportunity to snack and you can rest easy knowing that your home has that holiday feel without any of that not-so festive waste.

6. Toast your friends and family with local and/or organic wines and spirits served in actual glasses to keep disposables out of the landfill – find more information in Green Living’s article, Green your Holiday Toasts.

7. Finally, make sure you recycle all of your cans and return your beer and wine bottles to the Beer Store!