Planning Your Meal to Avoid Overbuying
Before heading to the supermarket store. take time to plan how much food you’ll actually need. Consider the number of guests and the dishes you want to prepare. Creating a detailed shopping list ensures you only buy what’s necessary, helping to reduce food waste and saving you both time and money.
Save Leftovers for Future Meals
If you have ingredients or cooked food leftover after the big feast, don’t toss them! Store them properly in airtight containers and freeze for future meals. This extends the life of your food and reduces waste while also giving you a break from cooking later on.
Considered Plant-Based Options
You don’t have to completely give up the traditional turkey, but why not try reducing the amount of meat served and adding more plant-based dishes? This can lower your environmental impact and introduce your guests to some delicious, healthy alternatives. In corporating more vegetables, grains, and plant-based protiens can be just as satisfying– and more sustainable!
Share Leftovers with Loved Ones
After the meal, show your loved ones some extra care by packing up leftovers for them to take home. You can personalize containers with decorative touches to make the gesture even more thoughtful. Not only will this reduce food waste, but it will also create lasting memories of your time together.
Compost Food Scraps
If you find yourself with food scraps or uneaten leftovers that can’t be reused, composting is a fantastic option. Composting turns food waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer for your garden, helping you grow herbs, vegetables, or flowers in the future. Don’t know where to start? Check out our blog, "Organic Fertilizer from Food Waste: A Path to Sustainable Living," to learn more about how to compost effectively!
This Thanksgiving, let’s not just celebrate what’s on our table, but also think about how our choices affect the planet. By planning ahead, sharing meals, and composting leftovers, we can enjoy the holiday while taking steps toward a more sustainable future. Happy Thanksgiving!
