Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and (of course) plenty of food. While it’s a day known for abundance, the holidays often lead to a significant amount of food waste. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, Americans throw away about 200 million pounds of edible turkey meat during the Thanksgiving holiday. And that’s just the turkey! This post will explore practical tips on how you can reduce food waste to ensure you have an eco-friendly Thanksgiving this year and all the years to come.
1. Create a plan & shop smart
Before you head to the grocery store, know exactly how many people you will be hosting and plan your portions accordingly. In addition, take stock of what you already have in the pantry/fridge so that you don’t over buy items that you already have. Once you have your meal plan, make a precise shopping list and stick to it! This helps prevent impulse buys, which can lead to excess food that you don’t need for your holiday meal.
2. Cook wisely
As you are cooking the feast, adapt accordingly to what is happening in the kitchen. If you realize you have too much of one ingredient, adjust recipes to use it up. For example, if you have extra bread, consider making more stuffing. Or, turn surplus apples into an apple crisp or apple pie.
3. Serve sensibly
Let people serve themselves at dinner! While it may clutter up the table with serving dishes, it often reduces waste as guests will only take what they intend to eat. You can also set the table with smaller plates as this encourages guests to take only what they can fit and come back for seconds if they are still hungry.
4. Store leftovers properly
Ensure that all leftovers are stored properly to extend the life of the food. You could also provide containers for your guests to take home leftovers too. This not only spreads out the joy of Thanksgiving but also ensures the food you’ve prepared doesn’t go to waste.
5. Get creative with leftovers
Beyond the standard turkey sandwich, think about how you can use leftovers in new dishes. Turkey bones can make a rich broth for soups, while mashed potatoes can be turned into potato pancakes. Pinterest has so many suggestions for creative leftover transformations!
6. Compost all other leftovers
When the food has reached its expiration date, make sure you compost what you can! (However, don’t put the turkey or any meat-based dishes in the compost!) If you don’t already compost, Thanksgiving is a great time to start.
Reducing food waste on Thanksgiving doesn’t require drastic changes to how you celebrate. It can be as simple as planning better, adjusting how much you cook, and being mindful about leftovers. By implementing some of these strategies, you can enjoy your holiday feast and know that you’re doing your part to minimize waste and its impact on our planet. How will you be celebrating Thanksgiving this year??
Love,
Jenna ♥
