We’ve made it, team! It’s officially December, and the holiday season is truly in full swing. And while there is no shortage of festivities demanding our attention at the moment, it’s important that we never forget the wellbeing of our good ol’ Mama Earth. Today we’re getting some basic tips from Our Name is Farm, a women-run media company that focuses on educating the public about responsible eating and food sourcing, to keep our environmental consciousness on track even amongst all the merriment. Cheers to the many sustainable celebrations ahead!

Reduce waste by using all the scraps.

This age-old trick saves money and food from being thrown out. Some ideas include: slicing thin and roasting cauliflower stems with a bit of olive oil and salt (or your favorite seasoning), using veggie scraps and leftover bones to make a flavorful and healthy broth, or repurposing leftovers already cooked. Turkey sandwich, anyone?

Sign up for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA).

Participating in a CSA is usually cheaper than just going to the farmers market every week, though it can be more challenging because you usually don’t get to choose your own produce. But that can be the fun part, because you get to learn new things! You also form a personal connection with the person that actually grows your food, and you personally nurture that connection by promising to support them for an entire growing season.

Shop at a local farmers’ market.

CSA’s are usually not full diet (unless you’re super lucky!), so you’ll need additional supplies. There’s no better place to eat nutritiously-packed seasonal foods than at your local farmers’ market. If in season, food is almost always cheaper than the grocery store and its nutritional shelf life is at its peak condition.

Lower gas emissions by planning and avoiding multiple trips to the store.

Two huge problems with not planning your meals is that you end up throwing away food, and you spend too much time making grocery trips. Huddle and save. Streamline your meals (even if they aren’t exact) and make as few trips as possible. You’re saving money, time, and the planet.

Support local where possible – even by visiting restaurants as opposed to frequenting chains.

Always buy local when you can so your money goes back into the community. Corporate CEOs likely aren’t spending their paychecks in your hometown, so when you buy food from a farmer you are supporting them and their families, which in turn supports other local businesses!

Images via: Reader's Digest, Our Name is Farm