The holiday season is here, and you know what that means: food, food, and more food! Between office parties, family gatherings, and New Year’s celebrations, our tables are loaded with delicious meals and treats. It’s a time for joy and coming together, but there’s also a hidden downside—food waste.
Did you know New Zealanders waste an estimated $3.2 billion worth of food each year according to the New Zealand Herald? A big chunk of that does happen during the holiday season. With a bit of planning, though, we can celebrate without the guilt of unnecessary waste. Here’s how to do it: Plan, Prepare, and Package!
Plan Ahead to Minimise Waste
Like most things in life, planning is key to reducing food waste. Knowing exactly how many people will attend and what they’ll eat can make a world of difference.
- Confirm Your Guest Count: Get RSVPs from your guests to avoid over-catering. Knowing who’s coming helps you gauge how much food to prepare.
- Check Dietary Requirements: Ask about dietary restrictions or preferences. No need to load up on items some guests can’t or won’t eat. Fewer uneaten dishes mean less waste!
- Make a Realistic Menu: Overambitious menus often lead to excess food. Focus on dishes that everyone will love rather than trying to cater to every taste. A simpler, well-curated menu can prevent leftovers from piling up.
By planning your meals carefully, you’re already halfway to a zero-waste holiday celebration!
Prepare Smartly for a Waste-Free Feast
Once you’ve got your plan in place, the next step is to prepare in a way that minimizes waste. Here are some tips to keep your food fresh and appetizing:
Store Food Properly: If you’re preparing dishes in advance, make sure they’re stored at the right temperature to keep them fresh. Cold foods should go in a well-prepared fridge, and items that need to stay warm should be kept covered.
Prep Just Before the Event: Avoid prepping too early, especially for fresh foods. Slicing fruits and vegetables too far in advance can lead to wilting and spoilage. Instead, try to prepare these items as close to serving time as possible.
Have Waste Bins Ready: Let’s face it—some food will inevitably end up as waste. By setting up dedicated food waste bins, you’re making it easy to dispose of leftovers in a way that’s sustainable. Food scraps can be composted rather than mixed with general waste, which is better for the environment.
Prepping with purpose doesn’t just make your event run smoother; it also ensures less food ends up in the trash.
Package Up Leftovers to Enjoy Later
As a packaging company, we know that good packaging can be a lifesaver for leftovers! Don’t let perfectly edible food go to waste just because you don’t have a way to store it.
- Pack Leftovers Properly: Have containers ready to pack up any leftovers. This way, food can be safely enjoyed later rather than ending up in the bin. Encourage guests to take some goodies home as well!
- Encourage Reusable Containers: Going green? Suggest that guests bring their own reusable containers. This way, they can help themselves to any remaining treats without adding to single-use waste.
- Keep Food Fresh During the Event: Cover dishes with cling film or use food tents (those little umbrella-like covers) to keep bugs away and maintain freshness. Not only does this reduce the risk of food spoiling, but it also keeps things more hygienic.
By taking a few extra steps to package leftovers, you’re not just saving food—you’re also extending the joy of your festive spread!
Tips for a Sustainable Holiday Feast
If you’re serious about reducing food waste, here are a few bonus tips to make your holiday season even greener:
- Shop Locally and Seasonally: Local, seasonal produce is fresher and usually lasts longer. Plus, it has a lower carbon footprint!
- Compost Food Scraps: If you have a compost bin, add fruit and vegetable scraps to it rather than sending them to the landfill.
- Donate Excess Food: Some places accept unopened, non-perishable food donations. If you’ve bought more than you need, this can be a great way to help others.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Holiday Season with Less Waste
The holiday season should be a time of joy, togetherness, and of course, good food! But with a little bit of forethought, you can celebrate without adding to the pile of food waste that builds up each year. Remember, it’s all about planning, preparing, and packaging. By keeping these tips in mind, you’re not only enjoying a more sustainable holiday but also setting a great example for others.
So, go ahead—dig into that holiday feast, savour each bite, and when the party’s over, don’t forget to pack up the leftovers!
Till next time
Hi-Tech Packaging