Unfortunately Christmas food waste is a common problem in many homes.
People tend to buy and prepare bulks of everything to ensure that family and guests have enough. However, this excessive buying and cooking are usually unnecessary and we end up still eating all the food in January. If it’s perishable, it could well end up in the bin.
According to research, South Africans between the ages of 18 and 65 are set to spend an average of R5 706 each over the festive season. Based on Statistics SA’s mid-year population size estimates, that means that working-aged South Africans are set to pump R204 billion into the economy.
Here are a few tips to help you keep Christmas period waste at a minimum:
Don’t cook everything
If you see that you have purchased more than you may need, do not cook it all.
Cooking up a storm for just a few people could lead to unnecessary waste.
Offer some food to neighbors or people who live on the streets
This is truly a simple way of spreading some kindness to some of your neighbors and strangers who might actually need the food.
Therefore, reduce the waste or leftovers by giving anything you won’t eat to your anyone who might need it.
Check your cupboards before buying anything
The last thing you want is to buy what you already have. It’s important to only buy what you really need.
Use leftovers for new recipes
Get creative with your leftovers, for example, that leftover chicken can be used to prepare chicken mayo sandwiches for the kids the next day.
Make the most of your freezer
Organise your freezer to make room for any leftovers. Whether it’s ham, turkey, potatoes, bread rolls or stuffing, placing them inside the freezer means you can enjoy them again at a later date.
