How to reduce waste this holiday season

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Loved ones unite with two common goals during the holidays. The first is to spend time with one another, and the second is to eat.

Many families tend to make feasts, leaving everyone with lots of leftovers. However, this can lead to throwing out food as there may not be enough time to finish everything before it goes bad.

The state's Department of Environmental Conservation released tips on enjoying every bite of food while it lasts. They are as follows:

• Get an accurate head count to help you plan ahead and not overcook.
• Use imperfect produce in cooked dishes, such as bruised apples for apple pie or applesauce. 
• Share leftovers with friends and family and ask them to bring reusable containers for leftovers.
• Get creative with your leftovers to create new snacks or meals. Explore recipes to reinvent your leftovers.
• Be realistic about the leftovers; you can eat them and freeze the extra.

Another way to reduce waste when it comes to leftovers is to get reusable containers for them rather than single-use ones. When hosting meals, ask guests to bring their containers or even repurpose reusable takeout containers. Limit single use when you can to do your part in reducing waste.

For holiday decorating, try your best to extend the life of your decorations. This way they won't be sent to the landfill following the season.

You can also take stock of your decoration inventory in efforts to reduce the amount of things you have to buy. When buying new items, though, go for the timeless, quality decorations that will last a lifetime and can be reused time and time again. This way you can simultaneously reduce waste and create traditions within your families.