The Clonakilty Waste Not, Want Not project has been in full gear this month working on its new ‘Stop the Sachets’ campaign with volunteers from the community college and Tidy Towns. You may have seen posters popping up around town, new notices in food establishments, as well as social media posts and the group would love everyone to get involved to help them reach Clonakilty’s goal to be free from sachets – that’s ketchup, mayo, vinegar and so on – by March 2025. Mention your support at your favourite food establishment, chat about it with your friends and family. It will take a whole community to make this happen!
Why be mindful of food waste? In Ireland, food waste is a significant issue with both environmental and social implications. On average, Europeans waste around 88 million tonnes of food every year! Wasting food means wasting valuable resources like water, energy, and land— and despite the abundance of food, many people in Ireland face food insecurity, with nearly one in 10 people experiencing some form of it.
Simple actions like keeping an eye on the contents of your fridge, composting, or being mindful of portion sizes can make a big difference in reducing waste and is a great example of ‘acting locally while thinking globally.’
As we gear up for the festive season, it’s easy to get caught up in the abundance and traditions that come with Christmas. But as many of us know, this often leads to unnecessary food waste. An EPA survey revealed that 44 per cent of people waste more food at Christmas, and a staggering 70 per cent admit to buying extra food ‘just in case’ unexpected visitors arrive. Perhaps it’s time to rethink some of our traditional holiday habits, especially when it comes to food. Reducing waste is all about making the most of our meals while helping protect the environment: quite in line with the Christmas spirit if you ask us! Waste Not Want Not put together five tips for all of us to try this year and make this holiday a little more magical!
Meal Planning is Key: With Brussels sprouts topping the list of festive foods that go to waste – 42 per cent of us end up throwing them away – it might be worth taking a moment to think back to last Christmas. What food did you end up wasting? Was there items you or your guests didn’t enjoy?
Or did you overbuy staples like bread and milk? This year, make sure to know how many people will be there well in advance to plan your meals accordingly. It’ll contribute to less food waste AND probably to less stress on the shopping and prepping day too!
It doesn’t matter if you’re hosting a small gathering or a large celebration; making a list based on realistic guest numbers should help against over-purchasing.
Be Mindful of Portions: Being a host can be stressful, and we want people to enjoy themselves and remember this moment dearly. That is why we might tend to have a heavy hand when it comes to serving our loved ones. Don’t be scared of serving smaller portions or asking people how much they want! Over-serving will almost automatically lead to waste since no one wants to take back from the plate and store it as leftovers. It’s easier to add more later than to try to save what’s not been eaten.
Get Creative with Leftovers : Assume you’ll have leftovers and plan on eating them in the following days. And instead of letting them go to waste, get creative! There is the obvious turkey sandwich, but think soups, stews, or even pies. A little imagination goes a long way, and you can even freeze leftovers for future meals in the new year. Did you know there are entire websites devoted to what to do with leftover Christmas dinner?
Store Food Properly: One of the biggest causes of food waste during the festive season is improper storage. Make sure you’re storing your perishables in the right conditions to extend their shelf life. If you’re not sure, check the packaging for storage tips, or even freeze items you might not use immediately.
Share Your Festive Feast: If you’ve overestimated your food needs, consider sharing with others. Neighbours, friends, or even community groups could benefit from your excess. You will help reduce food waste and spread holiday cheer.
Properly Dispose of Food Waste: While a brown bin may not be the most glamorous gift you can ask for this Christmas, it could be one of the most useful – whether for your home or as a secret Santa gift for your boss! Having one in place ensures that your food waste doesn’t end up in the landfill, where it contributes to unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions. Instead, it can be properly composted.
With a little forethought and creativity, it’s possible make this festive season enjoyable without the guilt of waste. And who knows, maybe some new traditions will be made.
Clonakilty Waste Not Want Not would love to hear from you: Get in touch by emailing allison@voiceireland.org
