How to Reduce Waste at Christmas

Between Christmas and New Year's, food waste reaches its highest levels, especially in Italy, where tradition dictates a series of frequent lunches and dinners. According to a survey by the platform Ener2Crowd.com, which promotes sustainable projects, more than half a million tons of food end up in the garbage during the Christmas holidays, and a quantity of perfectly edible products equivalent to a per capita expenditure of 90-100 euros.

But how do you avoid food waste between Christmas and New Year's? The main precautions concern holiday shopping, menus and portions to bring to the table, and a specific appointment: meals dedicated specifically to the consumption of leftovers.

Anti-waste spending

Between Christmas and New Year's, there's no need to stock up on supplies and food supplies as if it were wartime. Always write down your shopping, check the refrigerator to see what you already have, and Try to have a clear picture in your head of the menus you need to prepare, day by day. Without ever overdoing it and considering that there will certainly be leftovers to dispose of.

Menu without exaggerating with the courses and portions

Since lunches and dinners are numerous, don't always plan over-the-top menus, with multiple first and second courses and lots of desserts. Christmas is also a celebration of moderation: what's more important than the quantity of dishes is their quality. And if you overdo it, there's a risk that your guests won't enjoy your menus, which would then go to waste. The same goes for portion sizes: during the Christmas holidays, a lot of food is passed around the tables. Why waste it with disproportionate doses?

How to store leftovers

Between Christmas and New Year's Eve, don't lose the good habit of save leftovers correctly, Without throwing anything edible in the trash. Sooner or later, it will be food you can reuse, and you will need it.

The leftovers dinner

A very effective trick to avoid food waste between Christmas and New Year's Eve is to plan, during the Christmas period, some lunches or dinners made from leftovers. If you have guests, be explicit: "Tonight we'll eat what was left over from yesterday's lunch...". It's also a way to create the right atmosphere made of lightness and conviviality.

How to transform leftover Christmas dishes

It's easier to create new recipes using leftovers from the most popular Christmas dishes.

Lasagna and cannelloni: Just dice the leftovers, sauté them in a pan, and serve them hot. They'll be better than the first course you ate the day before.
Lentils: With the ones you don't consume, you can make healthy vegetable burgers.
Boiled meat, turkey, roast, capon: any leftover dish meat-based, It can be transformed into croquettes, ragù, meat salad with celery and carrots, and tacos.
Vegetables: Why throw away the leftover vegetables from Christmas and New Year's Eve and not turn them into soups, broths, and cream soups?
Cured meat: You will need them to prepare omelettes, scrambled eggs, rustic pizzas and fillings for focaccia.
Panettone: Its leftovers are very suitable for making French toast, tiramisu and puddings.

To donate

There are two types of gifts you can give with Christmas leftovers. The familiar and friendly atmosphere of Christmas lunches and dinners allows you, without unnecessary shyness, to give a family member, for example, a food they particularly enjoy. For example, your brother came to your Christmas lunch and there were lots of leftover struffoli that he loves. Why not prepare a small package and donate them? The second gift, however, is for disadvantaged individuals and families, easy to reach, even during the Christmas holidays, through parishes, Caritas branches, and the national network of Food Bank. All it takes is a little organization and good will.

How not to waste food during the Christmas holidays