The holidays are all about fun, food, and family, but they can also lead to an unfortunate side effect—food waste. We’ve all been there: eyes bigger than our stomachs, grabbing extras “just in case,” and then tossing out the uneaten leftovers. Not only does this hurt your wallet, but it also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
When food rots in landfills, it releases methane—a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. Luckily, with some planning and food waste recycling, you can enjoy your holiday feasts while doing your part to reduce climate change.
While food waste recycling is available in California, the best way to reduce waste is by planning. Here are a few tips to help you stick to your list and cut down on food waste this holiday season:
- Plan ahead: Create a holiday meal plan and stick to it. Only buy what you need and avoid impulse buys.
- Love your leftovers: Get creative with leftovers! Turn roasted veggies into a soup, mix turkey into a stir-fry, or freeze extra food for another day.
- Store it right: Proper storage is key. Freeze extras before they spoil or share leftovers with friends and family.
- Donate extras: Do you have non-perishables that didn’t make it onto the menu? Donate them to your local food bank.
By sticking to your list and getting creative with leftovers, you can keep your holiday meals sustainable, save money, and help fight climate change.
For more information about food recycling and impacts to the environment, visit foodforsoil.org