SAN FRANCISCO – Here are five holiday tips anyone can employ to reduce their impact on the environment this Holiday Season:

Tip #1: Have a plan! If you don't know how much turkey or potatoes you need to feed all of your guests, find out! You can help reduce food waste by only cooking at much as you’ll need. There are lots of tools on-line to help with this, one free calculation tool is available at: www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/perfect_portions

Tip #2: Eat your leftovers! This one may seem obvious, but lots of leftovers wind up in a landfill. Instead of throwing away your excess food, make a delicious snack or meal out of your Thanksgiving Day leftovers!

Tip #3: Compost your food waste! If you don't have a food collection system in your neighborhood, you can start your own compost pile. Find out how at: http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/rrr/composting/by_compost.htm

Tip #4: Use food waste as a resource! Compost it to make a natural fertilizer. Or anaerobically digest it to create energy!

Tip # 5: Give Back! Find a local non-profit agency to donate your excess food to. Not only will you be making a huge difference for someone in need, you’ll also help divert waste from a local landfill.