Tips to tackle food waste this festive

Festive vibes often mean gatherings where food takes centre stage and sometimes that means waste is in abundance.

To reduce food waste, it's important to be mindful of its impact on the world.

Food waste is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbates the effects of climate change. 

When food is wasted, valuable resources such as water, energy and land are wasted. Leftovers and scraps that end up in landfills also produce a potent greenhouse gas that can accelerate climate change.

Tips to reduce food waste this holiday:

• Plan meals and shopping lists: Plan your meals and create a detailed shopping list. This way, you can avoid overbuying and ensure you only purchase what you need.
• Buy locally and seasonally: Support local farmers and reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation by choosing locally grown and seasonal produce.
• Proper storage: Store food correctly to extend its shelf life. Ensure refrigerated items are kept at the appropriate temperature and use the first-in, first-out method when organising your pantry.
• Think about your fridge/freezer capacity when stocking up on fresh fruit and vegetables, to minimise unnecessary spoiling of unused produce.
• Portion control: Be mindful of how much food you cook and serve. Start with smaller portions and allow guests to serve themselves second helpings if desired. This will minimise leftovers and reduce waste.
• Be creative with re-using leftover food: There are creative online recipes to turn leftovers into new and exciting dishes to enjoy, rather than just throwing them out.
• Composting at home: Composting food scraps reduces landfill waste and creates nutrient-rich compost that can be used to nourish plants and gardens.
• Businesses should have waste management plans, including their waste minimisation plan to dispose of organic waste, not via landfill.

Happy holidays!