Waste Less This Silly Season: A Holiday Guide with a Green Twist
Plan Like Santa
Santa’s got a list, and so should you. By planning your holiday meals in advance (and sticking to that shopping list), you’re much more likely to buy just the right amount and avoid that dreaded fridge avalanche when everything falls out in a turkey-sized landslide. Think carefully about who’s coming and how much they’ll actually eat, because remember: no one has ever gone home from Christmas dinner saying, “I’m still hungry…”
Portion Patrol
A holiday feast should feel abundant, but it’s easy to go overboard. Instead of sprawling tables piled high with every dish imaginable, try opting for a smaller, thoughtfully curated menu where each dish has its moment. Fewer, more interesting dishes allow each ingredient to shine and keeps waste to a minimum.
Creative Leftovers
No matter how well you portion, there are almost always leftovers at Christmas - so get creative! Turn roast veggies into a morning frittata, transform yesterday’s ham into tomorrow’s sandwich, or mix leftover mashed potatoes into golden, crispy cakes. With a little imagination, you’ll never have to eat the same meal twice - or toss it out.
Unwrap with Care
When it comes to gifts, the wrapping can be just as impactful as what’s inside. Sustainable wrapping options - like fabric wraps, newspaper or reusable gift bags - offer a thoughtful, eco-friendly touch that outlasts the usual single-use fare. Even simple swaps, like using natural twine or dried herbs for decoration, can make gifts look unique and reduce waste. For those truly committed to sustainability, consider gifts with lasting value: experiences, handmade goods, or practical items that won’t end up in a drawer. By giving more mindfully, you’re sharing a gift with both your loved ones and the planet.
Shop Local and Go Fresh
Choosing locally-sourced produce isn’t just about supporting small businesses - it’s about cutting down on packaging and extending the life of your groceries. Local food travels less, arrives fresher, and lasts longer - cutting down on emissions and waste. This year, find something truly special at a neighbourhood market or shop—your purchase goes further and makes a meaningful difference close to home.
Get Dehydrated (No, Not You)
For households and businesses looking to cut down on food waste, enrich360®'s food waste dehydrators offer an innovative and sustainable solution. These powerful machines transform food scraps into a dry, nutrient-rich fertiliser in hours, reducing waste volume by up to 90% and helping to divert organic material from landfill. The result? Not just less waste, but a valuable resource you can use to enrich your garden soil or contribute to local community green spaces. It’s an easy way to close the loop on food waste, turning leftovers into a lasting environmental benefit.
Spread the Word, Not the Waste
Want to really make a difference? Share these waste-busting tips with friends and family. When the family sees you swapping single-use items for reusable options, or how beautiful a present wrapped in fabric can look, they’ll see that a low-waste holiday isn’t just possible; it’s preferable.
The holidays should be filled with joy, not excess. By making mindful choices, we’re not just reducing waste; we’re creating a positive impact that lasts far beyond the festivities.
