Turkey Day 2014 is almost here, and it's a great day to spend with friends and family. There will also be a lot of leftovers. Food waste is becoming a bigger issue these days as we learn that some 40% of edible good food ends up in landfills. How can you minimize food waste?
EndFoodWasteNow has some great ideas. Here are a few more:
- Prepare only the amount of food you'll need.
- Have your guests bring a along some containers so they can take leftovers home.
- Have a leftover meal with friends over the weekend.
- Make soups and freeze it for later in the winter.
- Make soup stock from the turkey carcass and freeze.
- There are some 7000 homeless living in DC and DC Central Kitchen, Martha's Table, Capital Area Foodbank, and Food & Friends are just some of the DC organizations providing meals for homeless everyday. While they won't accept half a pie or turkey, they will accept unopened packages or cans.
- Leftover Swap is an app that allows you to post and seek leftover food though it seems to have a limited number of users at this point.
- Post leftover offers on a local listserv or email among friends.
- As a (next to) last resort, compost what you can. Check out CompostCab and FatWorm Compost for pickup services if you don't have a compost..or can't find a neighbor who does.
Want learn more about food waste and how it impacts people and the planet? Check out
Tristram Stuart's TED Talk. Want to get involved in the Food Waste Movement? Check out
EndFoodWasteNow and the
Food Recovery Network. GW, American and U. Maryland all have chapters. Follow Get involved!
