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Celebrate Sustainably: Food Waste Minimization During the Holidays

Patti Toews is a provider of sustainability and waste management solutions for APTIM’s local and state government clients. She focuses on new and existing regulatory challenges and issues.THIS WEEK’S CONTRIBUTOR:
Patti Toews, Sustainability & Waste Minimization Business Leader
APTIM | Environmental Compliance & Sustainability
Patti.Toews@APTIM.com
Patti Toews is a provider of sustainability and waste management solutions for APTIM’s local and state government clients. She focuses on new and existing regulatory challenges and issues. Learn more about Patti here.

 

 

Celebrate Sustainably: Food Waste Minimization During the Holidays

The holiday season is a time of celebration, togetherness, and, often, abundance. But with that abundance comes an unfortunate side effect: food waste. Every year, tons of perfectly good food ends up in the trash, impacting both our environment and our wallets. Reducing food waste helps save money and minimizes the strain on our planet’s resources.

This season, let’s focus on mindful consumption and sustainable practices. We’ll explore practical tips and innovative solutions to ensure that we enjoy our feasts without the guilt of waste—making the holidays not just a time of joy but of responsibility.

Why Does Food Waste Minimization Matter?

Minimizing food waste is crucial for both public and environmental health. When we waste food, we don’t just throw away a meal; we contribute to greenhouse gas emissions as decomposing food releases methane, a potent contributor to climate change. Additionally, food production requires significant resources like water, energy, and land, which are squandered when food is discarded.

Beyond environmental concerns, wasted food could address food insecurity, where many people lack reliable access to nutritious meals. By reducing food waste, we conserve resources, cut emissions, and improve food distribution, leading to healthier communities and a more sustainable world for future generations.

What Role Can You Play in Food Waste Minimization?

Holiday meals can easily lead to food waste if we’re not careful. Mindful planning and creative cooking play a crucial role in reducing this waste, ensuring our celebrations are both joyous and sustainable. Below, you’ll find a list of practical tips that cover everything from meal planning and innovative storage solutions to repurposing leftovers. Plus, there are suggestions for sharing extra food with others and composting scraps to minimize environmental impact.

Here’s how to feast while caring for our planet and community:

  • Choose recipes that use whole ingredients or can easily incorporate leftovers. Use recipes that make the most of each ingredient, like roasting root vegetables with their skins on. Select meals that use pantry staples and allow for ingredient flexibility. Avoid recipes that call for ingredients you rarely use.
  • Plan your holiday meals in advance, including all courses, snacks, and desserts. Make a detailed shopping list based on your planned menu and stick to it! This helps you avoid impulse buys that often go to waste. Check your pantry and refrigerator before shopping to use what you already have, and estimate portions based on the number of guests to avoid overbuying.
  • Repurpose dishes into new meals. For example, leftover turkey can be transformed into a tasty soup, sandwich, or casserole. Freeze what you can’t finish. Properly freezing leftovers can extend their shelf life, giving you ready-made meals for busy days ahead. Be sure to label and date your leftovers so you know what needs to be eaten first.
  • Proper storage can go a long way in keeping your holiday goodies fresh for longer. Understanding the best way to store different types of food will help reduce spoilage. Use airtight containers for perishable items, wrap leftovers tightly in foil, or use reusable silicone bags to retain freshness. Keep a designated “eat first” section in your fridge for foods that are nearing expiration.
  • If you find yourself with excess food after a big holiday gathering, send leftovers home with guests. Keep some eco-friendly containers on hand for easy distribution. Donate non-perishable food to a local food pantry or shelter if you have unopened items you don’t need.
  • Some food waste is inevitable. Composting is a great way to divert organic waste from the landfill and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Compost kitchen scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and more. If you don’t have a home compost bin, check for local composting programs that may accept food scraps.

How Does APTIM Support Waste Minimization?

By adopting smarter habits and leveraging innovative solutions, we can significantly cut down on food waste. APTIM offers a range of waste minimization solutions that empower individuals, businesses, and communities to manage and reduce food waste effectively. From advanced composting techniques to efficient waste tracking systems, APTIM provides the tools needed to make sustainable choices. By integrating these solutions into our holiday preparations, we not only save resources but also contribute to a healthier planet.

APTIM. In Pursuit of Better.

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