How to Reduce Food Waste This Season

This festive season is a time for family, food, and fun, but it’s also a time when we tend to waste a lot of food. Between the big holiday meals and endless leftovers, food waste can pile up quickly. 

The good news? There are simple steps we can take to reduce waste, save money, and help the planet. Here’s how you can make a difference this holiday season.

Plan your meals carefully

Before you hit the grocery store, take a moment to plan out your meals for the holiday season. Think about how many guests you’re hosting and how much food you really need. It’s easy to overbuy when we’re excited about Christmas feasts, but being realistic can save you from having excess food that goes to waste. Make a list of what you need, and try to stick to it.

Keep your fridge organized

The fridge is often where food gets lost and forgotten. By organizing it, you’ll know exactly what you have and what needs to be used up first. Place items that are close to expiring at the front so they’re easy to grab. This helps prevent buying duplicates and ensures you don’t end up throwing away food that’s gone bad.

Avoid over-serving

When it’s time to serve the holiday meal, keep portion sizes in mind. It’s tempting to pile our plates high, but it’s better to start with a smaller portion and go back for more if you’re still hungry. This way, you won’t waste food that ends up uneaten on your plate.

Save leftovers

Leftovers are a gift if you handle them well. After your holiday meal, pack up any leftovers in airtight containers and store them properly in the fridge or freezer. You can enjoy them later and avoid the temptation of ordering takeout. Plus, some dishes even taste better the next day!

Get creative with scraps

Not all food scraps need to be thrown away. Vegetable peels, onion skins, and even leftover meat bones can be turned into homemade stock. Simply freeze the scraps until you have enough, then simmer them to create a flavorful base for soups or stews.

Compost what you can

If you’ve got food scraps that can’t be eaten, consider composting them instead of tossing them in the trash. Composting turns food waste into nutrient-rich soil, which is great for your garden. Just make sure not to compost meat or dairy, as they don’t break down well.

Buy “Ugly” produce

Did you know that a lot of perfectly good produce is thrown away just because it doesn’t look picture-perfect? Ugly fruits and vegetables may be misshapen or have a few blemishes, but they’re still delicious and nutritious. Buying them helps reduce food waste and saves you money.

Freeze extra food

If you’re preparing a large batch of food but know you won’t finish it in the next few days, freeze it! Freezing meals like casseroles, soups, or stews can extend their shelf life and give you a quick meal on a busy day. It’s a great way to make sure no food goes to waste.

Always take home leftovers

When eating out, always ask for a doggie bag. Restaurant portions are often larger than what we can finish in one sitting. Taking home leftovers means you’ll have a ready-to-eat meal for the next day, reducing food waste both at the restaurant and at home.

Get the family involved

Reducing food waste is a team effort. Get your family and friends involved in the process. Encourage them to take smaller portions, remind them to eat leftovers, and talk about how to make better choices when cooking. The more people who pitch in, the bigger impact you’ll have