San Diego City Wire

The holiday season often leads to increased food waste, but the County of San Diego is offering tips to help mitigate this issue. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), up to 40% of the U.S. food supply is wasted annually. The holidays can exacerbate this problem, potentially costing families money and contributing to climate change.

The USDA estimates that a family of four may spend $1,500 a year on uneaten food. Food waste in landfills generates methane, a greenhouse gas pollutant that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) noted in 2022 traps about 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide and contributes significantly to global warming.

To reduce food waste during the holidays, planning ahead is crucial. SaveTheFood.com offers a "Guest-imator" tool to help calculate meal portions based on guest numbers and eating habits. This can prevent overcooking while allowing for desired leftovers.

Leftovers are common during large gatherings like Thanksgiving. Providing guests with containers or inviting them to bring their own can help distribute extra food. Leftovers can also be repurposed into new meals such as soups or casseroles, or frozen for later use.

Composting is another method to handle excess food. For those without composting facilities at home, placing organic waste in curbside green bins is recommended.

For further information on reducing food waste, residents are encouraged to visit the County’s Solid Waste Planning and Recycling website.