Each year, a significant portion of the U.S. food supply is lost or wasted. Thanksgiving, with its grand holiday meal at the center, emerges as one of the most wasteful days. With the prices of various holiday ingredients on the rise, it becomes crucial for shoppers to be cautious about their preparations. Minimizing food waste not only benefits the environment but also conserves valuable resources.

Combatting Thanksgiving Food Waste - A Guide to Sustainability

How Bad is Food Waste on Thanksgiving?

Estimates from the Natural Resources Defense Council suggest that approximately 200 million pounds of turkey are thrown out during the Thanksgiving holiday week. This not only wastes the resources used in producing the turkey but also has a significant environmental impact. Producing just one pound of turkey meat requires 520 gallons of water, equivalent to seven bathtubs full. Additionally, the greenhouse gas emissions from a pound of turkey are comparable to those from burning half a gallon of gasoline. As Anya Obrez from the NRDC explains, while people don't intend to be wasteful, the desire to celebrate and ensure an abundant meal often leads to over-preparation. Cooking for a large group can be challenging, and this often results in excess food being left uneaten.

It's important to be aware of these figures and take steps to reduce food waste during Thanksgiving. By being more mindful of our consumption, we can make a positive impact on both our environment and our wallets.

How to Minimize Food Waste while Preparing for Thanksgiving?

Before the holiday, the NRDC recommends using their tool to determine the exact amount of food to prepare. By inputting the number of guests and their eating habits, shoppers can get an accurate estimate of how much to buy and cook. Making a grocery list is also essential, as it helps avoid impulse buying. While cooking, saving peels and scraps for future broths or creative snacks like potato skin chips is a great idea. And when it comes to serving, using smaller plates can encourage guests to eat more appropriately and avoid overeating.

These simple steps can go a long way in minimizing food waste and making the Thanksgiving holiday more sustainable.

Making the Most of Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

Don't be afraid to get creative with Thanksgiving leftovers! Buzby suggests making fritters with leftover mashed potatoes or bread pudding with extra bread. Bones and leftover meat can be used to make stock or chili, and extra buttermilk or cream can be used to prepare French toast. Freezing leftovers is another great option to extend their shelf life. As Obrez notes, freezing food is like hitting a pause button, allowing you to enjoy those delicious leftovers on a busy weeknight. Sending food home with guests or making a donation are also excellent ways to ensure that no food goes to waste.

By embracing these ideas, you can turn Thanksgiving leftovers from a burden into a delicious opportunity.