3 ways to cut down on food waste this Christmas

Almost a quarter of all food produced is wasted, so here are three tips to get the most out of your Christmas feast

Christmas is a time famously known for excess. Whether it’s roast potatoes, luxurious desserts, or a bit too much wine, it’s acceptable to overindulge.

However, this results in an extreme amount of food waste. According to EPA, more than a quarter of food produced is wasted, and food waste produces almost 10% of global carbon emissions.

With this in mind, EPA launched their Stop Food Waste campaign. The campaign asks people to pledge to go a week without wasting food. This doesn’t mean absolutely everything (don’t worry, you can still compost your banana skins), but the half loaf of bread that you forget about in the cupboard.

Making a few small changes can have a huge impact on the environment, so why not give it a go for a week in the run-up to Christmas? Here are three of tips to help you cut down on food waste:

Plan, plan, plan: It’s easy to buy everything in the shop when purchasing your Christmas spread. Instead of buying on a whim, make a list of what you really need. Think about how many people you are cooking for, or if there are different dietary requirements in the group.
Use leftovers: Turkey sandwiches are an age-old festive tradition. As well as being delicious, they are an excellent way to use up excess food. Think creatively and try to use your leftovers for post-Christmas meals. Check out these Jamie Oliver recipes that use leftovers for some inspiration!
Store food properly: It seems like a simple tactic, but it makes all the difference in preserving your food after the feast. Make sure to wrap and refrigerate your food properly to ensure longevity.