How to cut back on holiday food waste

OHIO — The holiday season is known for many things like Christmas music or hot cocoa, but many people may not think about the waste that accompanies the giving season, especially with food.

In an article from the nonprofit Each Green Corner, it notes that food waste increases by approximately 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.

Here’s how they recommend cutting back on the waste:

• You should expect to have leftover food and ensure you have the plastic containers to store it
• If you have extra food, you can also consider donating it to a local food bank
• If possible, don’t let your holiday guests leave without taking some leftovers with them
• Plan your holiday meal shopping carefully to avoid purchasing an excess amount of food. Not only can this help cut back on waste, it’s also helpful to your wallet.
• Some foods can be composted as well, which is a much better outcome than a landfill

If you’re looking to creatively use your leftovers, consider this list of recipes to make from post-holiday extras.