Cow Appreciation Day

July 12, 2013 Cow Appreciation Day

Origin. For one day only, black and white spots, cow bells and furry ears will be appropriate attire at Chick-fil-A restaurants all across the nation. In celebration of Cow Appreciation Day (an unofficial yet nationally recognized holiday), Chick-fil-A will award a FREE Meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) to any customer who comes to one of their 1,600+ restaurants fully dressed as a cow.

Other Option for Cow Appreciation Day. Try a vegetarian meal today.

May 22, International Day for Biological Diversity: Water and Biodiversity

The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB). The 2013 theme is Water and Biodiversity; chosen to coincide with the United Nations designation of 2013 as the International Year of Water Cooperation. In addition, the period 2005-2015 is the International Decade for Action 'WATER FOR LIFE'.

UN Secretary-General message
"International Year of Water Cooperation 2013"

The United Nations has prepared materials on Natural Solutions For Water Security. This is a segment on "The Elements of Good Practices in the Drinking Water Sector".

Finalists of 2013 edition of UN-Water 

´Water for Life´ Best Practices Award

Clean water, free of pollution, bacteria and other contaminants, is the bedrock upon which sustainable, thriving and equitable human societies are built. Good governance of the ecosystems providing us with quality drinking water is an essential pre-requisite involving the cooperation of private sector enterprises, all levels of government, public agencies, indigenous and local communities, NGOs and other relevant stakeholders.

Water is a deeply local issue in terms of availability, economic and environmental setting, climate and conflicting interests. 

Good policy approaches for drinking water require holistic strategic approaches involving full consideration of:
* Water quality and availability
* Managing drinking water for both present and future needs
* Maintaining ecosystem integrity and functions
* The role of biodiversity
* Realistic approaches

Allrecipe's Homemade Black Bean Veggie Burgers Fails the Nutrition Analysis Review

Allrecipe's Homemade Black Bean Veggie Burgers 

Fails the Nutrition Analysis Review

Below is the nutrition analysis from Allrecipes compared to our Review. Both companies used the same database. The results show a significant difference.

Procedures.
1. Repeat Dietitians-Online's analysis. Look for errors. 
2. Duplicate the author’s numbers, if possible. 

Results.
1. Results were duplicated related to the author’s failure to drain and strain the beans.
2. The recipe called for a 16 oz can black beans, drained and strained. Produced 12.5 ounces black beans and significant less sodium.
3. The nutrition analysis should be based on the Edible Portion of foods; not As Purchased (unless eaten whole).

The Homemade Black Bean Veggie Burgers can fit into the following food plans with the help of a registered dietitian: low calorie, low fat, sodium restricted, and high fiber. Good source of vitamin C and A.

Background
Performing a nutrition analysis by database requires knowledge and skills in culinary art, food science, production, waste, straining, draining, marinating, nutrient absorption, software pros and cons, and conversion factors. Nutrition software is only as good as the professional interpreting the data. 

For the past 25 years I've specialized in Nutrition Analysis and Recipe Modification. My mission is to locate inaccurate nutrition analysis; provide nutrition information when it is not available; and offer modifications for special dietary needs.

If you need assistance with your Nutrition Analysis needs,
please contact us.

Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, LN
recipenews@gmail.com

You are Invited to the Opening of the Eatright Art Gallery

The theme of the gallery ....

-The presentation of food should stimulate the palate, excite the senses, and nourish the body. -Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, LN

- When you prepare nourishing foods with love, passion, and creativity, people will delight in your creations. - Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN

Please make a donation. Monies raised goes to employ

Special Need Adults.

Thank you for your generosity and kindness.

Choose from hundreds of food photographs, graphic designs
or we can customize your own brand
All Photographs and Graphics are original designs and are available for purchase.
Cost $6.00 per design (exclusivity is available for an additional charge).
The designs are available only in a digital format (jpg; bmp; pdf)
Contact Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, LN
for purchase
recipenews@gmail.com
954-796-7235

Thank you.

Prepared by Dietitians-Online©, 2013

Visit Dietitians-Online, to view
the art gallery on the website.

April 7, 2013 - World Health Day Control Your Blood Pressure

World Health Day is celebrated on April 7 to commemorate the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. Each year a theme is chosen to address a significant global health concern. The theme for World Health Day 2013 is controlling high blood pressure, which affects more than one in three adults worldwide. High blood pressure or hypertension can lead to fatal heart attacks, strokes, and chronic heart and kidney disease.

Many people do not know they have high blood pressure because it does not always cause symptoms. Hypertension is easily diagnosed and treated if health care services are available. 

For many people, lifestyle changes are sufficient to control blood pressure. For others, medication is needed.
Early detection is key; all adults should know their blood pressure.

Salt Matters: Preserving Choice, 
Protecting Health

Where does sodium come from?

Sodium comes from natural sources or are added to foods. Most foods in their natural state contain some sodium. However, the majority of sodium Americans consume comes from sodium added to processed foods by manufacturers. While some of this sodium is added to foods for safety reasons, the amount of salt added to processed foods is above what is required for safety and function of the food supply.

Reading Labels
When you buy prepared and packaged foods, read the labels. You can tell the sodium content by looking at the Nutrition Facts panel of a food. Listed are the amount for sodium, in milligrams (mg), and the “% Daily Value.” Also read the ingredient list to watch for the words "soda" (referring to sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda), "sodium" and the symbol "Na" to see if the product contains sodium.

Salt and/or Sodium Descriptors
Salt Free:  Meets requirements for "sodium free."
Sodium Free: Fewer than 5 milligrams sodium per serving.
Very Low Sodium:  35 milligrams or less sodium per serving.
Low Sodium: 140 milligrams or less per serving 
Reduced Sodium:  At least 25 percent less sodium per serving.
Unsalted:  Has no salt added during processing. To use this term, the product it resembles must normally be processed with salt and the label must note that the food is not a sodium-free food if it does not meet the requirements for "sodium free".

The FDA and USDA state an individual food that has the claim "healthy" must not exceed 480 mg sodium per reference amount. "Meal type" products must not exceed 600 mg sodium per labeled serving size.

Sodium and Hypertension.
In order for a food to make an Allowable Health Claim it must contain a defined amount of nutrients. In relationship to sodium and Hypertension the amount is 140 milligrams or less sodium per serving.

American Heart Association (AHA)
The American Heart Association recommends you choose and prepare foods with little or no salt to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Aim to eat less than 1,500 mg of sodium per day (less that 3/4 teaspoon of salt).
The AHA is working with federal agencies to identify ways to reduce the amount of sodium in the food supply. The association is encouraging food manufacturers and restaurants to reduce the amount of sodium in foods by 50 percent over a 10-year period. AHA will help Americans lower the amount of sodium they consume by the following strategies:
 1. Reduce the amount of sodium in the food supply,
 2. Make more healthy foods available (e.g., more fruits and vegetables); and
 3. Provide consumers with education and decision-making tools to make better choices.

 Tips for reducing sodium in the diet
 1.  Choose fresh, frozen or canned food items without added salts.
 2.  Select unsalted nuts or seeds, dried beans, peas and lentils.
 3.  Limit salty snacks like chips and pretzels.
 4.  Avoid adding salt and canned vegetables to homemade dishes.
 5.  Select unsalted, lower sodium, fat-free broths, bouillons or soups.
 6.  Select fat-free or low-fat milk, low-sodium, low-fat cheeses and low-fat yogurt.
 7.  Use spices and herbs to enhance the taste of your food. 
 8.  Add fresh lemon juice instead of salt to fish and vegetables.
 9.  When dining out, ask for your dish to be prepared without salt.
10. Don’t use the salt shaker. 

Resources.
WHO, A global brief on hypertension

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). National High Blood Pressure Education Program


The International Society of Hypertension (ISH). ISH's main objectives are to promote and encourage the advancement of scientific knowledge in all aspects of research and its application to prevention and management of heart disease and stroke in hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases around the world. 

The World Hypertension League (WHL). The objectives of the World Hypertension League (WHL) are to promote the detection, control and prevention of arterial hypertension in populations.

National Week of the Ocean March 31 - April 6, 2013 The Oceans Impact on Nutrition

National Week of the Ocean is sponsored by National Week of the Ocean, Inc. in cooperation with the City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
 
The goals are to encourage ocean exploration which includes commerce, history, food sources, endangered sea creatures and issues such as offshore drilling and ocean dumping.

The health of the ocean is essential to human survival. The ocean is a major source of food, medicine, and jobs. Fish from the ocean is the primary source of protein for one in six people on earth. Protecting the ocean protects our health, our economy, and our children's future.

  National Week of the Ocean

 

It's Time to Start a Sea Change

The Ocean Conservancy believes it's time to look beneath
the surface to see where the health of our planet really begins.

 

Exploring Oceans - Disney

Ocean Facts

1. The oceans occupy nearly 71% of our planet's surface.

2. More than 97% of our entire planet's water is contained in the ocean.

3. Fish supply the greatest percentage of the world's protein consumed by humans. More than 3.5 billion people depend on the ocean for their primary source of food. In 20 years, this number could double to 7 billion.

4. Each year some 70 to 75 million tons of fish are caught in the ocean. Of this amount around 29 million tons is for human consumption.

5. Eighty per cent of all pollution in seas and oceans comes from land-based activities.

6. Death and disease caused by polluted coastal waters costs the global economy $12.8 billion (US) a year.

7. Plastic waste kills up to 1 million sea birds, 100,000 sea mammals and countless fish each year. Plastic remains in our ecosystem for years harming thousands of sea life every day.

8. Over the past decade, an average of 600,000 barrels of oil a year has been accidentally spilled from ships, the equivalent of 12 disasters the size of the sinking of the oil tanker Prestige in 2002.

9. Although coral reefs comprise less than 0.5 per cent of the ocean floor, it is estimated that more than 90 per cent of marine species are directly or indirectly dependent on them.

10. Species of fish endangered by overfishing are tuna, salmon, haddock, halibut, and cod.

Resources.

Ocean Conservancy

The Ocean Foundation

Save the Sea

January 6, National Bean Day

The nutrition information provided below is based on 1/2 cup cooked beans, prepared from dry beans. No salt has been added, therefore sodium levels are insignificant. Beans contain no cholesterol and a small amount of fat. Beans are a great source of fiber, high in potassium and contain many of the B vitamins. Beans also provide between 7% to 18% of one's daily iron needs.

All About Beans

US Dry Bean Council

The US Dry Bean Council (USDBC) is a private trade association comprised of leaders in the bean industry with the common goal of promoting the U.S. edible bean trade, both in the United States and abroad, and educating U.S. consumers about the benefits of beans. The USDBC gives a voice to the bean industry and provides information to consumers, health professionals, buyers, suppliers and the media about the good taste, nutritional value and versatility of beans.

The USDBC also is a resource for information on U.S. exporters, overseas importers, U.S. dry bean classes, trade policy issues and the role of U.S.-grown beans in international food-aid efforts. USDBC also publishes foreign language newsletters and other publications designed to help overseas importers, packagers and canners better understand and maintain contact with the U.S. dry bean exporting trade.

As part of USDBC’s mission, the organization collaborates with public health organizations, research centers, universities, and the entire supply chain, from seed suppliers to farmers, processors, wholesalers, distributors and transporters.

While the USDBC is privately funded, its representatives work closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in overseas markets, and often co-sponsors activities with the U.S. Government. These activities include hosting trade missions from foreign countries to visit U.S. production and processing facilities, participating in trade shows worldwide, coordinating trade missions of U.S. exporters and growers to visit overseas markets and producing education

The USDBC is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with a marketing office in Pierre, South Dakota. In addition, USDBC representatives around the world facilitate activities and dialog between U.S. and overseas trade.


Benefits
Unlike meat-based proteins, beans are naturally low in fat and are a cholesterol-free source of protein. Research shows that a diet including beans may reduce your risk of heart disease.

A nutrient-rich food, beans contain protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, antioxidants, and important vitamins and minerals, such as folate, B-Vitamins, manganese, potassium and iron.

Folate, a vitamin very important for pregnant women and their unborn babies, is found in beans. During pregnancy, women need more folate. Expectant mothers who consume enough of the right nutrients can help reduce the risk of birth defects.

Beans are especially important for people with certain food allergies and intolerances. For example, some people can’t tolerate gluten, a natural protein present in wheat, barley and rye. Because beans don’t contain gluten, or major allergens found in various grains, substituting beans can help provide the fiber and other nutrients that people on restricted diets may be missing. Beans come in a variety of convenient forms (such as canned beans, bean flours and dehydrated beans) that can be used in place of allergenic and gluten-containing ingredients.


Bean Recipes

Black Bean Soup Garnished with

Green Onions

Black Bean Soup Garnished with Green Onions and
Reduced-fat Sour Cream Served in a Sourdough Roll

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Press Release: Make 2013 the Year You Achieve Weight Control Success

FOR RELEASE JANUARY 2, 2013 

Media contact: Ryan O’Malley, Allison MacMunn 
800/877-1600, ext. 4769, 4802 
media@eatright.org 

CHICAGO – Millions of Americans resolve to lose weight and eat healthfully at the beginning of each year, but resolutions are notoriously broken. Registered dietitians—the food and nutrition experts—weigh in on why resolutions fail and how to best set yourself up for success in 2013. 


“It may be tempting to focus on losing weight fast, leading many to turn to dangerous fads diets and crash diets,” said registered dietitian and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson Angela Ginn. “However, research shows that slow, healthy weight loss is more likely to last than dramatic weight changes.” 


While you should consult a physician before adopting an exercise plan, primary care physicians identify nutrition experts such as registered dietitians as the most qualified providers to care for obese patients, according to a recent study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. 

“Forget about fad diets and work with a registered dietitian to get back to the basics with realistic and personal goals for eating smarter and moving more.”


Be realistic. Be specific. 

“Expecting to hit the gym for 4 hours every day or to stick to a super restrictive fad diet is overwhelming for your body, mind and schedule,” Ginn said. “Instead, choose smaller, healthy changes you can stick to over the long term, such as taking a walk during your lunch break or adding more fruits and vegetables to your plate each meal.”

“One large goal can seem overwhelming, so set yourself up for success with realistic goals, and divide large, vague goals into smaller, more specific goals,” she said.

For instance, rather than saying I will eat better, break this into specific goals like I will eat one more piece of fruit per day and I will choose whole grains more often.


“Goals should be challenging but also reachable,” Ginn said. “Consult a registered dietitian to build a plan with goals that works for your unique nutritional needs and fits with your lifestyle.” 

Also, make sure the goals you set are measurable so you can track your progress, Ginn recommends. For instance, choose goals so as “How much?” or “How many?” so you can easily review and track your progress, as well as reward yourself. These smaller goals will help keep you from getting discouraged because you can see results more quickly.”

Build a support network.

Enlist family and friends to try new healthy recipes with you or to be your workout buddy. Having a support network can help you focus on positive results rather than temptations, and motivate you to stick with your plan. “A registered dietitian can also help you track your progress towards your health goals and give you encouragement and solutions along the way,” Ginn said. “It’s always a good idea to have a food and nutrition expert on your side!” 

Learn more about healthy weight loss by visiting www.eatright.org/healthyweight or watch the video What a Registered Dietitian Can Do for You. 

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. To locate a registered dietitian in your area, visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org.

December 31, 2012 Celebrating One Year of Living Smoke-free

Today is my one year anniversary of living smoke-free. After 45 years of smoking, on December 31, 2011 I quit smoking cigarettes. The decision was easier than I expected. I just got out of the hospital for facial bacterial cellulitis. My face was swollen, my eyes forced closed, and when I tried to speak it was hard to understand me as I wiped away the drool of saliva - all from an infection in my mouth – all related to years of smoking. 

The infection would eventually clear up, but I was left with having all my upper teeth and most of my bottom teeth removed. I never saw myself as vain, but I was horrified at the woman staring back at me in the mirror. I love to laugh and smile. It took over 6 months for dentures to be prepared so I could smile again.

For the young who believe, you have all the time in the world to quit; time passes quickly and some damage cannot be undone. For the older people who believe it is too late; unless you are a fortune teller you have no idea what the future holds.

This year I saved $6,055.50.
This year I earned 70.1 days.
This year I had 1,614,800 Smoke-Free Breaths.
This year I spent quality time with my son, family and friends.
This year I started a garden.
This year I began a photography program.
This year I took the time to enjoy the taste of foods and breathe fresh air.

Thank you Quit for Life Program https://www.webcoach.net/

United Nations Declares 2013 International Year of Quinoa

The year 2013 has been declared "The International Year of the Quinoa" (IYQ), by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2011.

“Quinoa is considered to be the organic food of the future and holds great potential in efforts to eradicate poverty worldwide and provide global food security and nutrition.” The United Nations, in connection with the presentation of the International Year of Quinoa created a multi-media exhibit. Events throughout the year relating to the International Year of Quinoa will be headed by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), in collaboration with NGOs, indigenous peoples' organizations and, the Governments from the Andean region.

The objective of the IYQ Plan is to focus world attention on the role quinoa´s biodiversity and nutritional value plays, in providing food security and nutrition, the eradication of poverty in support of the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals. 

Quinoa is a grain-like crop grown primarily for its edible seeds. It is a pseudo-cereal rather than a true cereal, or grain. Quinoa originated over 3,000 years ago in the Andean region of Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia and Peru. 

Quinoa Nutritional Information

Quinoa is high in protein, a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron. Quinoa is also gluten-free.

Preparation. Quinoa has a natural bitter-tasting coating called saponins. Most quinoa sold commercially has been processed to remove this coating. However, the directions may require additional rinsing before cooking.

Quinoa can be added to a wide variety of dishes and substituted in recipes using rice or couscous. Quinoa flour can be used in wheat-free and gluten-free baking. To enhance the flavor, stock can be exchanged for water during cooking. Quinoa also can provide a nutritious breakfast with the addition of honey, nuts or fruits.

Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash

Recipe Card

References
United Nations, International Year of the Quinoa (IYQ-2013)  
Facebook, International Year of Quinoa 
Twitter, International Year of Quinoa  

Best Choices at the Vending Machine

Vending machines have a history of containing foods high in sugar, calories and fats. With the desire to choose healthier alternatives, new foods are being added to vending machines.

More information can be found at Kids Eat Right

November 28, National French Toast Day Featuring Raisin Bread French Toast and Low Cholesterol Variations

Each French Toast Recipe contains variations substituting soy milk for skim milk; and egg substitute for the egg.

Raisin Bread French Toast
with Banana, Crunchy Peanut Butter,

and Gingersnap

Ingredients for One Serving
1 slices Raisin Bread
2 Tbsp Milk, Skim or Soy Milk
1/2 Egg or 2 Tbsp Egg Substitute
1/2 Banana
1 teaspoon Peanut Butter, crunchy
1/2 Gingersnap Cookie, crushed
Variation: Substitute Soy Milk for Skim Milk; and Egg Substitute for Egg 

Nutrition Information

Raisin Bread French Toast
with Berries Topped with
Crushed Gingersnap Cookie

Ingredients for One Serving

1 slices Raisin Bread
2 Tbsp Milk, Skim or Soy Milk
1/2 Egg or 2 Tbsp Egg Substitute
1/3 cup Berries
1/2 Gingersnap Cookie, crushed

 Variation: Substitute Soy Milk for Skim Milk; and Egg Substitute for Egg

Nutrition Information

November 22, 2012 Comfort Soups for Thanksgiving

A comfort food can be a warm bowl of soup surrounded by loved ones

 on Thanksgiving Day.  - Sandra Frank, EdD, RD, LDN

Split Pea Soup with Reduced-fat Sour Cream 

and Basil in a Winter Squash Bowl

Canon EOS T3i; focal point: f/4; exposure time: 1/25 sec;

ISO 3200; focal length 47 mm; artificial light with diffuser; 

nutrition:139 kcal; 5 g Fiber

Vegetable Soup served in a Pumpkin Bowl

Canon EOS T3i; focal point: f/3.5; exposure time: 1/30 sec;

ISO 3200; focal length 21 mm; artificial light with diffuser; 

nutrition:106 kcal; 5 g Fiber

Visit Dietitians Online Blog for a Thanksgiving Day Special Edition

May your Thanksgiving be filled with special moments,
and the love of family and friends.

warm wishes, Sandra and Jake Frank

Thanksgiving Song

by Mary Chapin Carpenter

Remembering the Twinkie

FDA GRAS, Corn Dextrin 

End of the Twinkie (November, 2012)

World News With Diane Sawyer

Whats in a Twinkie? (2007)

1980's

1970's

November 15, America Recycles Day and Use Less Stuff Day

November 15, 2012: America Recycles Day; Use Less Stuff Day; 

Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day; Great American Smokeout

America Recycles Day is dedicated to the promotion of recycling programs in the United States. Since 1997, communities across the country have come together on November 15th to celebrate America Recycles Day.

Keep America Beautiful believes each of us holds an obligation to preserve and protect our environment. Through our everyday choices and actions, we collectively have a huge impact on our world. Keep America Beautiful follows a practical approach that unites citizens, businesses and government to find solutions advancing core issues of preventing litter, reducing waste, and beautifying communities.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

According to the U.S. EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency), recycling:
*Conserves natural resources to help sustain the environment.
*Reduces the need for landfilling and incineration.
*Saves energy and prevents pollution.

Recycle Guys in the Supermarket

How You Can Help

1. Each community has different standards for what can be recycled and how to do it. Visit Keep America Beautiful and enter your zip code for your local information and resources.

2. Plastic. Look for the recycling symbol on plastic packaging or containers. #1 and #2 plastics should be accepted by almost every recycler.

3. Cans. Aluminum and steel cans are always welcomed by recyclers, and most metals can be recycled infinitely with no loss of quality.

4. Recycling and Traveling. Keep two trash bags in your vehicle - one bag for garbage, and one for recyclables. Pre-sorting makes it easier to transfer your recyclables to the proper container once you’ve reached your destination.

5. Recycle your wireless phone. Millions of out-of-service phones are waiting to be reused or recycled. Find a local charity with a phone recycling program, or visit http://www.kab.org/  to download a postage-paid mailing label and return your unused phones.

6. Paper. In addition to newspaper recycling, most communities will accept corrugated cardboard, and some will even accept junk mail, catalogs and phone books.

7. Electronics. Never throw old computers, monitors, TV’s, printers, or other electronics in the landfill. Instead, donate them to a local charity for reuse, or find out about your local e-cycling programs.

8. Reduce the amount of trash you throw away and reuse products before you throw them out or recycle them. This creates the least impact on the planet and our resources. 

The Thursday before Thanksgiving is "Use Less Stuff Day." The purpose of this day is to raise awareness to the amount of garbage produced in American between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. The estimated extra waste amounts to 25 million tons of garbage.

Through education, and in collaboration with many individuals and organizations around the world, the aim of Just-Use-Less.com  is to share the message of common sense, timeless wisdom, and gratitude for what we have been given. Just Use Less.

Ways to Use Less Stuff During the Holidays and Any Time

Plan meals using portion control to minimize waste. Recommendations: Food/Drink Portion Per Person Turkey 3 ounce, without bone Stuffing 1/4 cup Sweet Potato Casserole 1/3 - 1/2 cup Green Beans 1/2 cup Cranberry relish 2 to 3 Tablespoons Pumpkin Pie 1/8 - 1/10 of a 9" pie

After a party, put leftovers in plastic containers or bags and send them home with guests, or donate to food banks.

Bring your own camera instead of using disposable cameras.

Cancel mail order catalogues you know longer use.

Bring your own shopping bags.

Consolidate your purchases into one bag rather than getting a new bag at each store.

Plan your shopping in advance. Save money on fuel by making fewer trips to the stores. Avoid last minute shopping when you won’t have time to make careful gift choices.

Consider giving gift certificates or making a donation to a favorite charity in your friend/family's name.

Give homemade food or something you’ve made yourself from reused items.

Shop for gifts at antique stores, estate sales or flea markets, since one person’s trash is another’s treasure.

When buying electronics, remember to buy rechargeable batteries to go with them.

Send e-greetings to family, friends and business associates who are on-line. Did you know about 2.65 billion Christmas cards are sold each year in the US?

Get a tree that can be planted or mulched afterward, or buy an artificial one.

Compost your food waste. Fruits and vegetables and their peels, pits and seeds are all perfect for composting, a great natural fertilizer.

Resource: The Use Less Stuff Report

The Use Less Stuff Report (ULS) Bob Lilienfeld is the editor of The ULS Report, a newsletter aimed at spreading the benefits of source reduction. The goal of ULS is to help people make more informed decisions about the products and packages they take home every day.