The festive season is upon us, a time of joy, merriment, and indulgence. However, amidst the celebrations, there is a dark side that often goes unnoticed – the staggering amount of waste produced during Christmas. According to the UK Soil Association, millions of Christmas favourites such as puddings, turkeys, and mince pies end up in landfills every year. It’s a sobering thought, but fear not, for there are ways to make our holiday season more sustainable without sacrificing any of the festive cheer.

Enter Conor Spacey, the mastermind behind
Wasted
– a guide to a sustainable Christmas. He believes that we can still enjoy a lavish Christmas feast without all the waste. It’s simply a matter of being mindful of our purchases and understanding our true needs.

First and foremost, creating a shopping list and sticking to it is crucial. This simple act can prevent unnecessary spending and ensure that we don’t overstock our cupboards with food that will go uneaten. Dominique Woolf, a renowned chef, advises that when it comes to turkey dinners, we should plan for 400g of turkey per person if buying a crown, and 500g for a whole bird. Buying meat on the bone is also recommended as it can be repurposed to make delicious stock.

When it comes to vegetables, opting for loose produce is the way to go to reduce plastic waste. Jassy Davis, from Abel & Cole, suggests quantities of around 250g of potatoes per person and 80g of other vegetables per serving. And let’s not forget the importance of proper storage – root vegetables and tomatoes should be stored outside the fridge at room temperature. Leftover food can be frozen and repurposed for future meals.

For those inevitable post-Christmas leftovers, there are a plethora of creative recipes to breathe new life into them. Brussels sprout leaves can be transformed into a delectable pesto, while vegetable offcuts can become crunchy, moreish crisps. Planning meals for the days following Christmas is also a great way to ensure that no extra food goes to waste.

And let’s not forget about the carbon footprint of the wine industry. The Sustainable Wine Roundtable has proposed a plan to reduce the weight of wine bottles from 550g to 420g by 2026. This reduction in weight will make a significant impact on the environmental sustainability of wine production and transportation.

This holiday season, let’s exercise mindfulness in our purchases, carefully plan our meals, and unleash our creativity to repurpose leftovers. These small changes can make a world of difference, allowing us to revel in the festive spirit while honouring and protecting our precious planet. Here’s to a Christmas that is not only merry but also sustainable! Cheers!