How to cut back on holiday waste

The holiday season is a joyful time of year. But the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day also tend to be very wasteful. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that household waste increases by more than 25 percent during the holiday season. Reducing waste come the holiday season does not mean celebrants have to forgo big family meals or beautifully wrapped gifts. In fact, there are several ways to reduce waste without spoiling the spirit of the season.

* Give eco-conscious gifts. The environment may not be the first thing that comes to mind when holiday shoppers are looki...