During the holidays, it is easy to become preoccupied with the usual things we think of at this time every year: gifts, holiday parties, shopping, decorating, and holiday meal menus. One of the last things you may be thinking of during this time is food waste. When we become consumed by creating the best possible holiday season for our family and friends, distractions can lead us away from ensuring that we reduce food waste as much as possible.
With a little advance planning, you can help eliminate the food waste which often accompanies the holiday season. Here are three simple tips you can use to do your part to reduce holiday food waste:
1) Select recipes to utilize leftovers: Even before you pick up a pen to begin writing a holiday grocery list, you have a good idea of what’s on the menu: turkey, ham, stuffing, potatoes, vegetables, etc. Along with planning for the main course, plan how you’ll use the leftovers. There are endless creative ideas: turkey tacos, twice baked potatoes, holiday casseroles, and many more. Find the recipes that sound best to you and your family, and watch your leftovers be re-imagined in a delicious way.
2) Plan to make less food: If you always find yourself with an abundance of leftovers at the end of holiday gatherings, consider preparing less food. Although planning to make less food for your holiday gatherings may cause anxious visions of hungry guests, you can plan to guarantee that everyone will have plenty to eat.
3) Give leftovers away to friends and family: An effective (and generous) way to reduce holiday meal food waste is to give away the extra food. Send your guests home with the extra portions of their favorite dishes. Depending on how much you give away, and how many dinner guests you have, you may find yourself eliminating all leftovers.