Preventing Food Waste This Christmas: Tips to Reduce and Reuse

The festive season is a time of joy, family, and indulgence. 

But behind the celebrations lies a sobering statistic: every Christmas in the UK, 263,000 turkeys, 740,000 portions of Christmas pudding, and over 7.5 million mince pies are thrown away. 

These numbers are staggering, not just in terms of wasted food but also in the resources, energy, and money lost in producing it.

This Christmas, let’s make a conscious effort to reduce food waste while still enjoying the magic of the season. Here are some practical tips to help you shop, cook, and share sustainably.

1. Plan Your Meals Wisely

Before heading to the shops, take stock of what you already have in your cupboards, fridges or freezers. Plan your Christmas meals with a shopping list based on realistic portions per person. Overbuying often leads to waste, so think carefully about how many people you’re hosting and whether they’ll actually eat that third helping of pudding.

2. Get Creative with Leftovers

Christmas leftovers are the gift that keeps on giving! Transform turkey into delicious sandwiches, soups, or curries. Mince pies can be crumbled into trifles or served warm with cream for a quick dessert. Christmas pudding can be reinvented into ice cream or baked into muffins. Websites like Love Food Hate Waste are full of inspiration to help you turn leftovers into new meals.

3. Store Food Properly

Storing food correctly can significantly extend its shelf life:

Freeze anything you can’t eat immediately, from turkey meat to leftover sauces.

Use airtight containers for baked goods like mince pies.

Keep vegetables like carrots and parsnips in the fridge crisper drawer to keep them fresh.

4. Offer "Doggy Bags" to Guests

If your guests loved the meal, they’ll likely appreciate taking some leftovers home. Invest in reusable containers or paper bags so you can share the feast and prevent waste.

5. Donate Unopened Extras

If you realise you’ve bought too much, consider donating unopened, non-perishable items to a local food bank. Many UK charities, such as the Trussell Trust, accept festive food items to support those in need.

6. Compost Scraps

Inevitable scraps like vegetable peelings or fruit skins can be composted instead of thrown away. Composting reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill and creates nutrient-rich soil for your garden.

7. Rethink Portion Sizes

It’s tempting to cook a mountain of food to ensure no one goes hungry, but most people won’t miss a second or third dessert option. Serving moderate portions can also help guests savour each dish rather than overindulging and leaving food unfinished.

8. Love Your Freezer

A freezer is your best ally in reducing waste. Cooked turkey, stuffing, and even puddings freeze well for future meals. Be sure to label containers with dates and contents for easy access later.

9. Spread Awareness

Food waste isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a societal one. Share tips with friends and family, and encourage conversations about sustainability during the holiday season. Small changes, collectively, can lead to significant impacts.

A Christmas to Remember

By being mindful of food waste this Christmas, you’ll save money, reduce your environmental footprint, and make the festive season even more meaningful. After all, the true spirit of Christmas lies in generosity and care—not just for each other but for the planet too.

Let’s make this Christmas one to remember—for all the right reasons!

What steps will you take to reduce food waste this holiday season? Share your tips and ideas below!

Statistics from https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/insights-and-media/insights/blogs/cutting-festive-season-food-waste-making-sustainable-changes-from-farm-to-fork