It’s time. Mariah Carey has thawed, the halls are being decked, and the smell of chestnuts roasting on an open fire is in the air. The holiday season is rapidly approaching, and everyone is preparing for the blur of the many celebrations nestled in these two months. While the most wonderful time of the year is indeed filled with lots of joy and excitement, it is also filled with one massive consequence. It’s been reported that between Thanksgiving and New Year, Americans produce an extra 25 million tons of waste. To put this into perspective, that’s roughly 50 billion pounds of boxes, wrapping paper, plastic bags, and styrofoam–approximately the weight of everyone in the United States–in just two months. This figure is jarring, to say the least. It is not, however, unavoidable. In fact, there are many things families can do to reduce their waste. First, reuse gift bags. Purchase high-quality gift bags once, then collect them after presents are opened to use again the next year. Second, be mindful of purchases. Ensure that presents are actually wanted by recipients so they don’t go to waste or get returned. Remember, 80% of items that get returned get taken straight to landfills! Finally, buy local. Not only does this help sustain small businesses, but it avoids the carbon emissions and plastic waste of shipping. So, this holiday season, enjoy your usual traditions and reunite with loved ones, all while feeling warm and fuzzy from the knowledge that you reduced waste and helped the environment.