Sustainable holidays: How to celebrate with less waste

Every year, Canadians throw away thousands of tonnes of extra food and packaging during the holiday season. You don’t have to add to that. 

As a long-time favourite health foods store in Vancouver, we share these tips each year to help our customers celebrate with less waste, stay healthy and protect the environment.

Ways to grocery shop sustainably

Check what you already have

Before hitting the stores, take stock of your fridge and counters. Knowing what you already have saves money and reduces household waste.

Make a shopping list and stick with it

It’s not easy, we know, but a list of necessary items gives you a clear plan of what to get and where to find it in the store.

Try to focus on organic, whole foods rather than processed candies and canned items. You’ll find plenty of fresh, healthy options at our health foods store, and you’ll feel better and less bloated by the end of the season.

Bring reusable bags

Plastic bags harm the environment. Using your own reusable bags reduces waste and can save you money. Forgot them? We’ve got tons of reusable options at Famous Foods, your trusted grocery store in Vancouver.

Shop in bulk and family-sized packs

Shopping in bulk helps you save money and reduce packaging waste. At our grocery store in Vancouver, our bulk section features more than 1,000 items, including dried beans, grains, trail mixes, herbs and spices and candied fruit for holiday baking. You’ll find everything you need for cooking, baking or healthy snacks for the whole family.

Similarly, to maximize waste reduction, look for our organic cuts and produce available in family pack sizes, which significantly minimizes overall packaging compared to multiple smaller purchases. Choosing local, organic meats and produce also helps maintain your health and lowers your environmental footprint.

Ways to enjoy holiday dinners sustainably

While meat often takes centre stage at holiday meals, try adding more locally grown, organic vegetables. Even better, consider a vegetarian option if you can.

If you’re hosting a large gathering, using glassware and metal cutlery can help avoid microplastics from single-use plates and utensils and can reduce costs. Ask your guests to bring glass containers for leftovers and clearly label the garbage, compost and recycling bins for those unfamiliar with your home setup.

The holidays are about togetherness, gratitude and creating memories. Choosing sustainable options for your meals, gifts and celebrations helps protect the environment while keeping the season joyful and healthy.