As we plan our seasonal celebrations, the kitchen invariably takes centerstage. From the holiday turkey to the tasty treats to the festive table decorations, these are as entwined with our holiday activities as the good company that enjoys them.
But with all those festivities, . After all, there are only so many shortbread cookies, Mandarin oranges and grandmaB次元官网网址檚 latkes we can enjoy. Add to that the table d茅cor, serving trays and other related materials, and itB次元官网网址檚 easy to see that while itB次元官网网址檚 the season to celebrate, B次元官网网址榯is also the season to reduce the amount of waste produced in the kitchen!
Following the principles of the B次元官网网址�3R pollution prevention hierarchyB次元官网网址� B次元官网网址� reduce first, reuse second and recycle third B次元官网网址� the Capital Regional District shares the following 10 timely tips to reduce the environmental impact of kitchen waste this holiday season:
- Right-size your dinner: Plan appropriately and prepare only what your guests will eat, perhaps considering a smaller bird or forgoing less popular dishes. The good news? YouB次元官网网址檒l likely save a little money in the process!
- Eat family style: Encourage guests to serve themselves, allowing them to choose what B次元官网网址� and how much B次元官网网址� to eat. This way, thereB次元官网网址檚 less need to dispose of served but uneaten food.
- Reuse leftovers: Save leftovers in reusable containers or deliver them to a friend. Going to a family or friendB次元官网网址檚 house for dinner? Bring your own container and if thereB次元官网网址檚 leftovers on offer, take some!
- Avoid single-use items: Swap out disposable linens, dishes and cutlery for the real deal, and donB次元官网网址檛 be afraid to mix and match or borrow.
- Compost unavoidable food waste: Bones, fruit and vegetable peels, carrot tops, egg shells, tea bags, paper plates and more , not your garbage.
- Be waterwise: Thaw your turkey in the fridge instead of using running water. You can also from cooking vegetables in soups, gravies, sauces or for watering your plants.
- Keep your sink fat-free: Holiday cooking means more fats, oils and greases. Save and store fats for use in future recipes or dispose of them in your green bin B次元官网网址� just be sure they where they donB次元官网网址檛 belong.
- Recycle your containers: After dinner, recycle aluminum trays, whipped cream cans, eggnog cartons and deli trays in your blue box. Never miss your collection day with the .
- Host a cookie swap: If you find yourself with too much holiday baking B次元官网网址� or want an excuse to bake more! B次元官网网址� invite a few friends over for a cookie swap.
- DIY your holiday centrepiece: YouB次元官网网址檒l find many decorations right in your own backyard: pinecones, cedar boughs and sprigs of holly look beautiful as a centrepiece for your holiday dinner. The added bonus? They smell amazing!
Reducing your holiday waste can be just that easy! Learn more about how to make memories and not waste at .