Thanksgiving is like the super bowl of cooking, the day when it’s acceptable to have a dozen-plus side dishes, multiple desserts and too many leftovers to all fit into the fridge (seriously how did it all fit before cooking it!?) And then come the winter holidays – Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, not to mention New Year’s Eve and Day. From baking gifts to hosting holiday parties, there’s no shortage of eating opportunities during the months of November and December.
But, along with the abundance of the season often comes a significant increase in food waste. From purchasing excess ingredients to tossing out leftovers, many of our well-intentioned holiday habits have environmental impacts. Reducing food waste isn’t just about clearing our plates; it’s a step toward a more sustainable lifestyle. With a little planning and creativity, you can create delicious holiday spreads for maximum memory-making while minimizing waste. As a bonus, many of these habits you can easily incorporate into everyday life for the new year as well.
Why is Food Waste a Problem?
Food waste is a significant problem for the environment, impacting multiple aspects of our planet’s health. When food ends up in landfills, it decomposes and produces methane—a potent greenhouse gas with over 25 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. This contributes substantially to climate change, exacerbating issues like rising temperatures and extreme weather events.
Beyond the production of greenhouse gasses, the sheer volume of food wasted translates to a staggering loss of resources. The process of growing, processing, transporting, and storing food consumes vast amounts of water, energy, and land. When food is wasted, all these resources are wasted as well, adding to environmental degradation without any benefit. For example, according to the UN World Water Development Report, agriculture is responsible for about 70% of global freshwater use, and when food is discarded, it represents a misuse of this precious resource.
Beyond that, food production often involves the use of fertilizers and pesticides that can contribute to soil and water pollution. By wasting food, we indirectly increase the demand for these chemicals, which can lead to further environmental harm. Reducing food waste not only helps in lowering greenhouse gas emissions but also conserves water, energy, and reduces pollution—a crucial step toward more sustainable living.
According to the United Nations’ World Food Programme, about one fifth of food produced each year goes to waste. This adds up to an astounding one billion meals each day which are thrown away. The UNEP Food Waste Index Report also notes that food loss and waste contributes to about one tenth of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. That’s five times MORE than all of the emissions caused by air travel every year! And since the report states that 60% of this waste occurs in homes (not farms, restaurants, or in food manufacturing plants) this problem is one that we all have the power to reduce quite significantly.
Changing Habits Can Help Reduce Food Waste
We all waste food from time to time. Whether it’s the restaurant leftovers that got pushed to the back of the fridge and forgotten or the pears that went from ripe to moldy before our eyes, even consumers with the best intentions can end up throwing away food that could have been eaten. Some of the most common reasons why food waste happens include:
- Overbuying because of marketing, sales, and bulk discounts – It’s easy to buy more than needed when stores offer deals that encourage larger purchases.
- Unrealistic meal planning – Life can be unpredictable, and plans to cook certain meals might change due to a busy schedule or unexpected events.
- Confusion over expiration dates – Misunderstanding the difference between “best by” and “sell by” dates often leads to discarding food that is still safe to eat.
- Portion sizes and leftovers – Cooking large portions or not finishing meals can result in excess food that isn’t always eaten later.
- Limited knowledge of food storage – Not everyone is aware of how to best store fresh produce and leftovers to extend their shelf life.
So with the holidays upon us, here are some realistic ways to improve your chances of trimming down the amount of waste you have without limiting any of the fun and joy of the season!
1. Mindful Planning and Shopping for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving meals are often lavish, but planning wisely can help avoid excess.
Estimate Portions Realistically: While it’s easy to overestimate how much people will eat, calculating portions accurately can make a big difference. Generally, plan for about one pound of turkey per person, one cup of stuffing, and around half a cup of each side dish per guest. This approach minimizes the risk of having too much food left over.
Make a Detailed Shopping List: Stick to a specific shopping list to avoid buying more than you need. Try organizing your list by recipe and grouping ingredients by store section. This not only saves time but also helps reduce impulse purchases. When possible, buy items in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
Choose Local, Seasonal Ingredients: Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to support local farmers and reduce food miles. Seasonal ingredients are often fresher, have a lower carbon footprint, and can be more affordable. Local produce is less likely to spoil before you use it, further reducing waste.
2. Creative Cooking for Reduced Waste
Instead of letting leftovers pile up, plan dishes with multiple uses.
Use Every Part of the Ingredient: Vegetable scraps like carrot tops, potato peels, and herb stems can easily be used for homemade stocks, which add flavor to soups, sauces, and more. Other scraps, like turkey bones, can be simmered for a rich, homemade broth.
Intentionally Plan for Leftovers: Consider dishes that are just as delicious the second time around. Roast turkey can be turned into turkey noodle soup, turkey pot pie, or even turkey tacos. Leftover mashed potatoes can become shepherd’s pie topping, and cranberry sauce can double as a spread on sandwiches or pastries.
Flexible Recipes for Fridge Cleanouts: Casseroles, frittatas, and grain bowls are perfect for using up various leftovers. These “anything goes” recipes make it easy to include a mix of vegetables, meats, and grains that might otherwise go to waste.
3. Storing Food Correctly for Longer Freshness
Proper storage techniques can extend the life of both fresh ingredients and leftovers.
Practice Good Storage Techniques: Store fruits and vegetables in the right parts of the fridge or pantry. Leafy greens, for instance, last longer when wrapped in a cloth or paper towel and placed in a bag. Root vegetables like carrots and potatoes prefer cool, dark storage spaces and should be kept separate to avoid premature ripening.
Packaging to Send Guests Home with Leftovers: Providing eco-friendly packaging for guests to take home leftovers is a thoughtful way to reduce food waste and extend the enjoyment of a shared meal. Opt for reusable or compostable containers that are durable and safe for food storage. This practice not only minimizes the environmental impact but also helps ensure that excess food is put to good use rather than discarded.
Freeze for the Future: Freezing is one of the most effective ways to preserve food. Almost anything can be frozen, from turkey and mashed potatoes to pies and sauces. Portion items out before freezing to make them easier to thaw and use in the future. Label each item with the date so you can keep track of what to use first.
Label Everything: Use a simple labeling system for your fridge and freezer, writing down the contents and dates. This habit can prevent you from letting items spoil before you remember to use them.
4. Year-Round Tips for Reducing Food Waste
Once the holidays are over, there are still many ways to keep food waste to a minimum.
Adopt a “First In, First Out” Approach: Rotate items in your fridge and pantry so that older items are at the front, ready to be used first. This can significantly reduce the amount of food that goes to waste simply because it’s hidden from view.
Regular “Fridge Cleanout” Meals: Designate one meal per week as a “fridge cleanout” to use up items that might otherwise go bad. Stir-fries, salads, soups, and grain bowls are great ways to use leftover meats, vegetables, and grains creatively.
Get Creative with Scraps: Simple ingredients can make all the difference in repurposing leftovers. Stale bread can be transformed into croutons or breadcrumbs, citrus peels can add zest to sauces or marinades, and herb stems can be used for infusing oils and sauces.
FAQs on Reducing Food Waste
How can I compost if I live in a small apartment?
Countertop compost bins are great for small spaces. Some cities also have compost drop-off points, and there are even composting services that pick up food scraps.
What’s the best way to plan portions for a large group?
A helpful rule of thumb is to plan for one pound of turkey per guest, a cup of each side dish, and about half a cup of dessert. Remember, it’s always easier to scale down rather than go overboard!
Can I freeze all types of holiday leftovers?
Most holiday dishes freeze well, including cooked meats, soups, sauces, and casseroles. Mashed potatoes and dishes with dairy can be a bit tricky but are still fine if eaten within a month of freezing. Always remember to refrigerate or freeze starchy foods like pasta, rice, and potatoes after cooking and serving as leaving these types of foods out can risk dangerous bacteria to grow, which can be life threatening. This type of food poisoning cannot be killed by reheating so it’s very important to use good food handling when it comes to these food items.
What should I do with food scraps I can’t use immediately?
Keep a “scrap bag” in the freezer where you can collect items like vegetable peels, herb stems, and bones. When you have enough, use them to make a flavorful stock for soups and stews.
Reducing food waste is a simple but meaningful way to celebrate Thanksgiving sustainably. This holiday season, make a pledge to embrace mindful planning, creative cooking, and proper storage. By taking small steps today, you can carry these waste-reducing habits into your everyday life, making every meal a little greener. After all, sustainability isn’t just a seasonal commitment — it’s a way of living with gratitude year-round.
We’d love to hear how you’re incorporating sustainability into your holiday celebrations! Do you have a favorite tip for reducing food waste, or a creative way to use leftovers? Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag us on social media (@shopciclado)!
Photo by Cottonbro Studio on Pexels.
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich: https://www.pexels.com/photo/nutritious-vegetables-in-plastic-containers-5794779/
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich: https://www.pexels.com/photo/nutritious-vegetables-in-plastic-containers-5794779/