Last Updated on December 5, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Reduce, Reuse, Rejoice: 5 Holiday Hacks for Eco-Friendly Celebrations

(Family Features) Holiday celebrations bring joy, laughter and lasting memories – but they can also leave behind a sleigh full of waste. From food scraps and empty bottles to wrapping paper and decorations, the season can leave your home full of items that could be reused or recycled. In fact, household waste increases nearly 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, according to survey results from the Center for Biological Diversity. That’s a lot of leftovers, garland and glass that could be kept out of landfills. To help you cut down on trash and embrace a joyful, less-waste holiday season, the experts at CalRecycle offer these five holiday hacks to help you save cash and protect the planet.

1. Plan Meals to Waste Less and Save More

• Shop your pantry first to avoid buying what you already have.
• Buy only what you need and prepare recipes based on guest count.
• Choose local ingredients from sources like farmers markets that minimize packaging.
• Send guests home with leftovers in reusable containers or freeze extras for future meals.

2. Recycle Food Scraps

• Not all food can be saved, but it doesn’t have to go in the trash.
• Compost fruit and vegetable trimmings, eggshells, coffee grounds and plate scrapings. Trashed food makes climate pollution in landfills. Recycle it in your green bin instead.
• Most California communities now offer green bin composting. Learn what goes in the green bin by visiting the Curb Your Food Scraps page on RecyclingReimaginedCA.com.
• Set out a clearly labeled “food scraps” bin next to your trash, as well as a recycling bin for bottles, cans and other containers so everyone can participate.

3. Eat, Drink and Be Eco-Friendly

• Use reusable plates, cups and utensils instead of disposable options.
• Decorate with items you can use year after year or make compostable decor from natural materials.
• Collect empty wine, liquor, juice or other California Redemption Value (CRV)-eligible containers and cash them in once the party is over.
• Serve water in reusable pitchers or carafes instead of single-use plastic bottles.

4. Give Greener Gifts

• Choose experiences over stuff, like tickets to events, museum or club memberships, registrations for classes or shared adventures.
• Wrap gifts in fabric, scarves or reusable tins. Or use recyclable paper without glitter or foil.
• Personalize presents with homemade crafts, baked goods or services that reduce packaging.
• Prioritize gifts from local and sustainable businesses that are committed to ethical sourcing, minimal packaging and recycled materials.

5. Sort Holiday Waste the Right Way

• After the celebrations, check local recycling rules for how to properly dispose of:
  • Batteries
  • Holiday lights
  • Christmas trees
• Drop off CRV-eligible beverage containers, such as wine and spirit containers, at your nearest recycling site for cash back.
• Donate unwanted gifts or gently used holiday items to local charities or thrift stores.

Make this season joyful and sustainable by finding more tips and recycling locations near you at RecyclingReimaginedCA.com.   Photo courtesy of Shutterstock SOURCE: CalRecycle

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

Transform Your Kitchen with Lighting Upgrades

(Family Features) As the heart of many homes, the kitchen is often for much more than cooking. From morning coffee and gathering for family meals after long days at school and the office to entertaining loved ones on the weekend, functional, stylish lighting can make your kitchen truly shine – day or night. Whether you’re planning a full-scale remodel or simply looking to refresh one of your most-used spaces, even modest lighting updates can enhance its aesthetic appeal and usability. From swapping out lightbulbs to replacing fixtures, adding smart controls and more, these ideas can help you brighten things up. Add Balance with Layered Lighting The most well-lit kitchens incorporate three layers of lighting: ambient, task and accent. Ambient lighting, typically from recessed ceiling lights or a centralized light fixture, provides general illumination and sets the tone for the space. Task lighting, such as under-cabinet light strips or a hanging fixture above an island, provides focused light over work zones like the sink, stove or countertops. Finally, accent lights in cabinets, baseboards or backsplash can add depth and drama, for a practical and inviting layered look. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Lightbulbs One of the simplest ways to upgrade your kitchen – or any room – is swapping old lightbulbs for energy-efficient LED bulbs. From cozy warm whites to bright white and amber hues, LEDs come in a variety of color temperatures to fit your space. Plus, they typically last longer and use less energy than halogen, incandescent and fluorescent bulbs and they’re often dimmable, giving homeowners complete control over the space’s brightness and mood. Make a Statement with New Fixtures A design feature all their own, lighting fixtures like chandeliers or pendants over the kitchen table or center island can instantly elevate your kitchen’s look and feel. For a sleek, modern aesthetic, consider polished chrome finishes; think brass or brushed nickel for warmth; or opt for matte black for stunning contrast. Remember to look for fixtures in finishes that complement your appliances and cabinet hardware to truly bring the space together. Embrace Smart Technology Even small updates can make a big difference when it comes to bringing your kitchen into the future. Swapping out old switches with smart options that allow you to adjust brightness throughout the day, schedule your lights to turn on or off automatically and change the color temperature from your smartphone or voice assistant can enhance usability and convenience while reducing energy usage. Find more ideas to enhance your living spaces at eLivingtoday.com.   Photo courtesy of Shutterstock SOURCE: eLivingtoday.com

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Last Updated on December 3, 2025 by Daily News Staff

How-To Winterize Your Lawn Mower

(Family Features) As mowing season winds down with cooler weather setting in, it’s time to prepare your lawn mower for storage. Properly winterizing your mower can help ensure it’s ready to run smoothly when spring returns. Consider these steps to get your mower ready for winter, which may help prevent corrosion, fuel problems and more costly repairs. Clean Your Mower Thoroughly Start by removing any loose grass clippings, dirt and debris then, using a garden hose and scraper, clean the underside of the mower deck. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth and mild soap or all-purpose cleaner. Once dry, apply a light coat of silicone spray to metal parts to help prevent rust. Drain or Stabilize the Fuel Gasoline left in the tank through winter can break down and cause carburetor issues. You can either drain the tank by running the mower until it’s out of fuel or add fuel stabilizer, running your mower for 5-10 minutes afterward to circulate it through the fuel system. Change the Oil Similarly, used oil contains contaminants that can corrode your mower’s engine. Drain the oil following your mower’s manual – usually by tipping the mower or removing the drain plug – then refill with the recommended type and amount of fresh oil. Inspect the Spark Plug To inspect for buildup or wear, remove the sparkplug then gently clean with a wire brush. If corroded or worn, the sparkplug may need replaced. Clean or Replace the Air Filter A clean air filter helps your mower run more efficiently. Replace paper filters or wash foam filters in warm, soapy water before drying and lightly oiling then reinstalling. Sharpen the Blade Remove the mower blade and inspect it for nicks or dull edges. If necessary, sharpen it using a file or grinder then reinstall securely. Lubricate Moving Parts Apply spray lubricant to moving parts, such as the wheels, cables and pivot points, to prevent rust and sticking. Find more guidance for keeping your lawn equipment working correctly at eLivingtoday.com.   Photo courtesy of Shutterstock SOURCE: eLivingtoday.com

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

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