Welcoming the Lunar New Year with Less Waste and More Intention

Lunar New Year is a time for gathering, reflection, and renewal. Growing up, my family did not follow every traditional custom, but one thing we always did was come together, usually around a table filled with food, to celebrate. Today, as someone who works on waste reduction and recycling at CalRecycle, I see how Lunar New Year traditions align with values that matter deeply today: mindfulness, respect for resources, and thoughtful preparation for the year ahead.

Give Oranges (and their peels) a Second Life
One tradition that has stayed with me is the exchange of tangerines and oranges, symbols of luck and prosperity. My mother would save the peels to dry on the windowsill for tea or as a reminder not to waste. Now, those peels can also be recycled as food scraps in your green bin or composted in your backyard, turning a meaningful tradition into something that benefits both your household and the environment.

Feast Without Waste
Food is at the heart of many Lunar New Year celebrations, and with large meals often come leftovers. Plan portions, serve smaller amounts, and refill as needed. When the celebration winds down, send food home with guests. Sharing abundance is believed to bring more abundance, and it also keeps good food from being wasted.

Clear the Clutter, Keep the Luck
Pre-New Year cleaning is another cherished tradition, rooted in the belief that sweeping after the new year begins can sweep away good luck. Use this time to declutter thoughtfully: donate usable items in good condition and recycle what you can. Break down cardboard boxes, and empty and dry bottles, and cans — especially those with a California Redemption Value (CRV) labels that can be redeemed for cash. For hard-to-recycle items like batteries and electronics, visit iRecycleSmart.com to find safe disposal options.

Give Red Envelopes a Second Life
Another Lunar New Year staple is the red envelope, often beautifully designed and full of meaning. While these envelopes can only be recycled if they’re plain paper, they can easily be reused. In my household, we save them for future celebrations, gifts, or even creative projects. Small acts like this reduces waste while honoring tradition.

The Lunar New Year reminds us that a fresh start does not require perfection, just intention. By reducing waste, reusing what we have, and recycling right, we can welcome the new year with practices that are good for our families, our communities, and California as a whole.

To learn more about reducing waste through recycling, composting, and reusing, visit RecyclingReimaginedCA.com.