The idea around Thanksgiving is to take a pause from our normal routines, give thanks for our bounty and share with others. Consider giving canned goods, fresh produce, or a turkey to a homeless shelter or other local kitchen helping to prepare meals for those less fortunate during this holiday season. Make plates of leftovers and take some to elderly neighbors who will appreciate your thoughtfulness. Perhaps there is a family near you struggling to make ends meet who would be happy to receive some extra food.
Many of us prepare too much and end up wasting and throwing away food. Half of the food we make on Thanksgiving ends up in the garbage, according to Green Living Ideas. Roughly one third of the world’s food supply approximately 1.3 billion tons produced for human consumption annually, is wasted or lost, according to a study commissioned by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
There are ways to either use Thanksgiving leftovers or save them for a later date. Turkey and mashed potatoes may be frozen. Use cranberries to make muffins or a spread for sandwiches. Leftover rolls can be frozen and used to make croutons, breadcrumbs or stuffing for other recipes. Throw a turkey carcass into a stew pot and make some stock for soup and freeze for use on another day. Turkey, green beans and corn are great ingredients for a turkey pot pie. Look for a new, sweet potato-turkey hash recipe.
Enjoy the day and share the bounty with those around you. Happy Thanksgiving from the Solid Waste Management Program!
