FOOD WASTE: Food Tank, a non-profit organization that encourages environmentally, socially and economically sustainable food habits worldwide, suggested several ways to cut down on food waste this Thanksgiving — a risk anytime you cook a large meal for a large group of people.

As Food Tank reports, “Each year, consumers purchase over 700 million pounds of turkey, according to the National Turkey Federation. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) projects that 35 percent of the meat purchased does not get eaten — ending up in landfills, along with sweet potatoes, green beans, pumpkin pie, and other holiday fare.”

We really like this point the organization makes: “This Thanksgiving, one of the best ways to be grateful for what you have is to avoid wasting it.”

Food Tank recommends:

1. “Plan ahead” by getting an exact head count and using a little math to determine how much to make of each dish.

2. “Use what you have” by checking the pantry and fridge before making your shopping list, then only buying what you need.

3. “Rescue discarded ‘waste’” — food often discarded such as turkey giblets, bones, stale bread and veggie scraps that can be used in stuffing or soup stock.

4. “Allow guests to serve themselves,” as individuals can better gauge for themselves how hungry they are.

5. “Store food properly after the meal.” We know this is hard when your belly’s full, as well as your fridge.

6. “Love your leftovers.” Thanksgiving leftovers make quick meals later on, and saving dishes like old yogurt containers means you can send some home with guests.

7. “Donate to feed the hungry.” Are there any items that be served at The Friendship Table, or extra non-perishables that can go to the YWCA food pantry or Destinations-Bradford?

See the full article here: http://foodtank.com/news/2016/11/seven-tips-to-a-food-waste-free-thanksgiving