Prevent food waste when planning for a feast

You can take steps to prevent waste during all stages of your holiday meal.

• Use a portion calculator to match servings with the number of guests. You can use the calculator online at savethefood.com/guestimator.

• Reduce the “foodprint” of your meal by planning your menu to use local ingredients.

• Don’t be afraid to switch things up. Is there a dish that nobody loves but you make it because of tradition? Time to let it go and make room for something better.

• Don’t let leftovers go to waste. Recyclable containers from takeout meals work great for sharing leftover food in containers you don’t need to get back.

• When you are grocery shopping, be aware of the packaging and use your zero-waste shopping habits. Ask yourself: Is the packaging recyclable? Compostable? Avoidable?

Whatever your holiday plans, plan ahead to reduce waste, aim to cook the right amount and enjoy your lower-waste feast.