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MCC Daily Tribune

Reducing Food Waste at Thanksgiving: A Thoughtful Approach for a Sustainable Celebration

Thanksgiving often leads to significant food waste, with Americans discarding millions of pounds of food each year. However, with careful planning and mindful practices, we can reduce waste while enjoying the holiday. Here are some effective strategies:

  1. Plan Your Menu Ahead of Time: Start your Thanksgiving preparations by planning a detailed menu that considers your guests' preferences and dietary needs. This helps ensure you cook only what is necessary and avoid excess food.
  2. Cook Only What You Need: Assess portion sizes based on your guest list. Opt for smaller serving dishes and allow for seconds rather than preparing too much food, which can lead to waste.
  3. Freeze Leftovers Wisely: Store leftovers in airtight containers and freeze what can’t be consumed right away. Label them with dates and contents to keep track of your inventory, allowing you to enjoy Thanksgiving flavors later.
  4. Compost Inedible Scraps: Composting is a sustainable solution for food scraps like vegetable peels and eggshells. It turns waste into valuable soil for gardening and keeps food waste out of landfills.
  5. Recycle Properly: Recyclable items, such as clean aluminum pans, cartons, and food boxes, should be disposed of correctly. Always check local recycling guidelines to minimize packaging waste.
  6. Dispose of Used Cooking Oil Responsibly: Never pour used cooking oil down the drain. Instead, cool it, transfer it to a sealable container, and find local drop-off points for recycling.

By implementing these strategies, we can enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving while being mindful of our environment and reducing food waste.

Sharon Rappenecker
Sustainability Steering Committee
11/22/2024