There is happiness, laughter, and a table full of tasty treats during the holiday season and you need some holiday guide. However, it also means dealing with food waste, which is a big problem in the U.S. Let’s look at some useful and simple tips that will help you get the most out of your holiday meals and waste less.
Holiday Guide: How to Read Expiration Dates: Busting the Myth
When looking at an item’s expiration date, we’ve all had that moment of doubt. Could you still eat it? What do you know? Dates on the package aren’t always the best way to tell if food is still fresh. The times given here are more of a suggestion than a strict rule, say experts. Check things out with your eyes, nose, and mouth. Enjoy it after the date written on the package, as long as it still works.
Holiday Guide: Smart Shopping Habits: A Way to Save Money and Help the Environment
This is what it’s like to go to the food store and want to buy everything you see. Don’t put too many snacks and other things in your cart, though. Take a moment to plan. Write down what you need and make sure you get it. This saves you money and makes it less likely that you’ll buy more food than you can eat, which cuts down on food waste.
Holiday Guide: How to Change Yesterday’s Meal with the Power of Leftovers
It might be too much to cook every day, right? That’s where leftovers really shine. Do not throw away yesterday’s food; instead, think of new ways to use it. Turn those leftovers into something completely different to eat. It’s a fun and tasty way to change up your food without having to go to the store all the time.
Freeze It, Don’t Lose It: How to Keep Food Fresh
What happens when you have too much fresh food that is about to go bad? Don’t worry—freeze it and press the pause button! In the freezer, you can store fruits, veggies, and even bread for later use. This not only makes your food last longer, but it also makes sure you have a stash of ingredients ready for your next cooking trip.
Holiday Guide: Composting is nature’s way of recycling.
Composting is nature’s recycling bin that you can use when nothing else works. Turn your food scraps into compost that is full of nutrients for your yard. Recycling food trash is an environmentally friendly way to get rid of it that also helps landfills. Think of it as good for both you and the earth.
As a food waste warrior, you should embrace your role.
Allow us to shift our attention from waste to sustainability as the holiday season comes. These small changes can help us all become food waste warriors: following our guts, planning our meals, being creative with leftovers, freezing extras, and starting to compost. Happy holidays filled with tasty food and no trash! May your parties be both joyful and eco-friendly! Enjoy the holidays!