Cheers to less waste: Your guide to green holiday gatherings
Picture this: You're hosting a holiday dinner party. Laughter fills the air, delicious aromas waft through the house, and your friends and family gather around the table. The joy of the holiday season is in full swing. These moments are closer than ever, with Thanksgiving right around the corner and ready to kick off the Holiday season.
While we love this time of year, our favorite festivities can come at the cost of creating more waste. If you're looking to reduce some of the unnecessary waste that comes with holiday gatherings, check out these tips!
Don't Overdo It on the Food: The Guestimator to the Rescue!
We've all been there – a mountain of leftovers after the holiday feast that nobody knows what to do with. But what if we told you there's a magic tool to help you figure out just how much food is enough? Check out the Save The Food Guestimator. This online tool will walk you through the planning process and take the guesswork out of your portion sizes. It's like having a crystal ball for your dinner party planning! Say goodbye to food waste and hello to perfectly portioned plates.
BYOT (Bring Your Own Tupperware)
Encourage your guests to be part of your sustainable efforts! If you're anything like us, you've got tons of Tupperware at home and ready to use. Instead of relying on plastic wrap or foil that will immediately be tossed, bring your own containers to take your leftovers home. Not only will these reduce single-use plastics, but if you use glass containers then they'll also make enjoying your leftovers easier. You can put them directly in the oven or freezer when you're ready to eat.
Leftovers: Your Ticket to Culinary Adventure!
The party may be over, but you can be left with a mountain of leftovers and no desire to eat the same meal again. Start researching now how to turn those meals into completely new dishes. By turning the meal into a part of a new recipe, you can use up all your leftovers while enjoying something new! Create a leftovers menu that keeps the holiday spirit alive for days to come, and enjoy a new culinary adventure.
Skip Single-Use, Switch to Reusable
Single-use items like paper plates, paper napkins, and plastic silverware might seem convenient, but they come at a hefty environmental cost. You know those disposable paper plates, paper napkins, and plastic silverware that promise recyclability or composability? Here's the truth: in Marion County (and most other jurisdictions), they can't actually be recycled or composted. Opt for reusable dinnerware and cloth napkins instead. Not only is it better for the environment, but it also adds a touch of elegance to your table setting.
We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and keep sustainability in mind during the planning process. It's all about having fun, making memories, and giving back to the planet. So, whether you're hosting a Thanksgiving feast, a Christmas dinner, or a holiday potluck, take these tips to heart, and let your gatherings shine in more ways than one. Cheers to a festive and eco-friendly holiday season!
