December 5, 2024

6 Food Hacks to Unwaste This Holiday Season

Categories: Kitchen Mastery Unwaste Guides

The Australian holiday season is filled with food and joy, but it also leads to at least a 30% rise in food waste. Discover six easy hacks to reduce waste, from smart meal planning and creative leftovers to proper storage and sharing.

Enjoy a more sustainable and budget-friendly festive season while making the most of every bite!

The holiday season in Australia is the perfect blend of sunshine, family, and, of course, food.

From pavlovas to prawns, and roast dinners to Christmas cake, we gather around the table to enjoy the best of what the season has to offer. But as we tuck into all that deliciousness, there’s also an unwanted guest at the party. Food waste.

Did you know food waste jumps by at least 30% over the holidays? It’s easy to get carried away. After all, who doesn’t love a feast with your nearest and dearest? The problem is, we often end up with more food than we know what to do with. And while leftovers are great, they can pile up in the fridge fast. Before you know it, you’ve got more half-eaten meals than you can manage.

With a few small changes, you can save money, reduce waste, and keep the festive spirit alive. Try these six easy tips for a more sustainable (and delicious) holiday season!

Tip 1

Sleigh Your Festive Feast with Perfect Planning

The season of enjoying food with loved ones is upon us, but it’s all too easy to over-cater. Before you head to the shop, plan your meals and consider how many people you’re feeding.

Use a serving calculator to help you buy the right amounts and remember, not everyone wants a second helping of pudding or pavlova (no matter how tempting it is!). Keep in mind that leftovers are great, but an overflowing fridge of uneaten food isn’t.

Tip 2

Holiday Leftovers: More than just Turkey Sandwiches

Transform yesterday’s roast into today’s lunch. Turkey can be shredded for sandwiches with a touch of mayo (a boxing day classic), rolled into wraps, or added to salads. Whip up a cheesy sauce, add some leftover ham and turkey, whack on a pastry lid, and you have a delicious Christmas pie! Got extra roasted veggies? Mash them into patties or toss them into a frittata.

If you’ve got sweet treats leftover, consider freezing them for future indulgences. You could also use up the leftover cheese and sad looking herbs to bring a little excitement to a fresh meal. With a little creativity, your leftovers can feel like a whole new meal.

Tip 3

Keep the Fridge Festive and Functional

A packed fridge is a happy fridge…until it’s not. Overcrowding can lead to forgotten food at the back and it can also cause the refrigerator to add a few extra unwanted degrees.

To avoid this, organise your fridge like a pro. Store perishable items in clear containers, and keep a “use first” section for items nearing their end. Make room for desserts by freezing anything you don’t need right away, like pre-chopped veggies or extra sauces.

Tip 4

Tis the Season to Store Correctly

Proper storage can make all the difference in keeping your food fresh for longer. Cover salad greens with slightly damp paper towels and place into an airtight container, only serve what you need and transfer any opened pantry goods into the containers.

For perishable items like seafood and dairy, double-check expiry dates and use them accordingly. And don’t forget your freezer – it’s your best friend for prolonging the life of everything from leftover ham to pavlova toppings.

Tip 5

Shop Smart and Avoid the Holiday Overload

4 boxes of mince pies? Oh go on then. It’s easy to get swept up in the holiday rush and buy more than you need. To avoid over-purchasing, make your menu and do your best to stick to it. Shop with specific recipes in mind and avoid impulse buys.

If your family loves variety, consider splitting larger dishes into smaller portions and freezing some for later. Remember: less waste, more savings.

Tip 6

Give Back and Share the Love

If you find yourself with an excess of food, consider sharing it with friends, neighbours, or get your guests to BYO a container so you can share the leftovers. You’ll not only reduce waste but also spread a little extra festive cheer. It’s the season of giving, after all.

This holiday season, let’s make the most of every bite and every ingredient. By being mindful of our food habits, we can enjoy all the festive delights without the guilt of unnecessary waste. After all, the holidays are about gratitude, and what better way to show it than by cherishing the food that brings us together?

So, gather your loved ones, plan wisely, and let’s Unwaste during this festive period. It’s a gift for the planet and your wallet! And don’t forget, many community organisations benefit from donations, especially during the holiday season. Some great ones we recommend are Foodbank, OzHarvest, SecondBite & FareShare.

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