A big part of Thanksgiving is the food, but sadly, a lot of it ends up wasted. This year, an estimated 320 million pounds of food will be tossed away, according to ReFED, a nonprofit that tracks food waste. That’s enough to give five meals to every food-insecure person in the U.S.
Much of this waste goes to landfills, where it produces methane, a gas that warms our planet. The good news? With some thoughtful planning, we can reduce this waste significantly.
Tips to Cut Down Food Waste This Thanksgiving
Smart Shopping
Chef Joel Gamoran, who specializes in using food scraps, suggests planning before buying. Aim for about a quarter pound of turkey per person and a half-cup of each side dish. When buying a whole turkey, remember the weight also includes bones and giblets. The Natural Resources Defense Council’s food estimation tool recommends around three-quarters of a pound of turkey per guest.
Also, consider picking up produce that’s close to its expiration date or slightly misshapen. This produce is often overlooked but still perfectly good to eat.
Cooking Cleverly
A lot of food is wasted because people don’t know how to use it. Gamoran advises having a plan for leftovers from the turkey. For instance, you can make turkey stock using the carcass by simmering it in water for a couple of hours. This stock can be used in soups or even frozen for later use.
Use scraps creatively, too! Carrot tops can become pesto, and potato skins can be turned into crunchy chips. Even onion peels can be dried and ground into homemade onion powder.
Transforming Leftovers
Leftovers can feel like a blessing after Thanksgiving. Instead of just reheating sliced turkey, transform it into meatballs or patties. You can mix leftover mashed potatoes with some flour to make pancakes or waffles. Pumpkin pie can even make a tasty curry if you add some spices.
If you’re too busy to think about new recipes right after the holiday, consider freezing leftovers to enjoy later. Remember to check the food by smell and sight before consuming.
If all else fails, compost what you can’t eat. This is a great way to ensure that nothing just goes to waste.
A Broader Context
Food waste is not just a holiday issue. Overall, about one-third of all food produced globally is wasted, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. At this scale, food waste contributes significantly to climate change, as it generates 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Let’s not forget, by being mindful about our food this Thanksgiving, we’re not only saving money but also helping the environment. Small changes can lead to big impacts, ensuring that Thanksgiving is not just a time of feasting but also of being responsible stewards of our planet.
For more insights on food waste reduction, check out resources from the Natural Resources Defense Council.
