Enjoy the Festivities, Reduce Waste

As the festive season draws near, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the vital ties between abundance and our sense of well-being. An ample supply of food not only supports our physical health but also strengthens the bonds we share with our loved ones—an arguably essential aspect of our holiday celebrations.

A nurturing impulse on overdrive

In an era where societal and economic challenges compel us to acquire more than necessary, our quest for security and companionship can propel us towards excessive shopping and cooking. This often results in an overwhelming amount of leftovers, which, if they exceed our capacity to consume or store them, are likely to be discarded—either composted or worse, sent to landfills.

The downside of abundance

It is estimated that nearly 50% of food produced in Canada is wasted, with approximately 30% of household waste attributable to food. This wastefulness not only leads to significant greenhouse gas emissions but also represents a massive and unnecessary squandering of energy, resources, and financial investment.

Although spoiled food is the last thing we want to associate with holiday cheer, being mindful of this issue can guide us in making more thoughtful choices for our celebrations that benefit both our loved ones and the environment.

Planning tips for a low-waste holiday

Estimate realistically

Rather than making educated guesses, take time to assess exactly how much food you will need. Resources such as online portion calculators available on Save the Food and practical tips from Love Food Hate Waste can offer valuable guidance.

Take stock before you shop

Before heading out to shop, take inventory of your fridge and pantry. Construct your shopping lists and meal plans based on what you already have on hand. This method helps avoid redundant purchases and make use of any overlooked produce or partial packages of ingredients.

Time it right

Use the weeks leading up to the holidays to consume aging food in your fridge and cabinets. When preparing for your holiday feast, pick up the most perishable items last.

Smart serving

The manner in which food is served can greatly impact waste levels.

For meals featuring multiple dishes, encourage guests to help themselves; this approach increases the chances that they will only take what they will consume.
Rather than presenting a wide variety of dishes, consider focusing on one standout item that could be the star of the meal (for example, a timpano or a vegetarian koulibiac).
To prevent spoilage, ensure that any leftover perishable items are cleared from the table and stored safely within two hours (or one hour if the temperature exceeds 32 C/90 F).
If children are part of the gathering, serve them smaller portions first and allow for seconds as they finish.

Rethinking leftovers

Although careful planning is vital for reducing waste, several post-holiday tactics can effectively handle food that remains after the festivities.

Instead of seeing leftovers merely as repeats, consider them as ingredients for creative new dishes. Try innovative recipes such as vegetable waffles, turkey tacos, or potato falafel. The UK Waste and Resources Action program’s site, Love Food Hate Waste, provides a searchable repository of recipes dedicated to utilizing leftovers.
Store leftovers in well-labeled containers when possible. If you don’t plan to use something in the next few days, freeze it while it’s still fresh.
Reduce the amount of leftovers by offering guests care packages for them to take home or checking if a nearby community fridge accepts donations.

An enriching holiday gathering fulfills more than mere hunger. Through mindful planning and a desire to minimize waste, we can achieve a balance of abundance without overshooting. Bon appétit!