Health tips: Reduce food waste now — and | The Pueblo Chieftain - Pueblo Chieftain

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates more than 30 percent of groceries in the country get tossed into the waste stream every year. That’s about $165 billion worth of food.

Another group, the Natural Resources Defense Council, claims the figure is closer to 40 percent, when losses on farms are included. Here are some tips to consider to ensure your feast does not end up in the garbage can.

Do an inventory — Advance planning can help prevent double purchases. Check your pantry for recipe ingredients on hand before you go to the grocery store.

Know who’s coming — Family members and guests often want to bring a dish or food item, so try to avoid multiple pies or dozens of dinner rolls. Decide on a menu and make kind suggestions, if it is a potluck. Telling all chefs how many people are expected helps prevent food waste by knowing the correct quantities to prepare.

Portion control — Eyes tend to be bigger than stomachs, which leads to food waste, especially for kids. Using smaller plates for children and providing serving utensils encourages proper portions.

Leftover creativity — Thanksgiving leftovers are delicious, but can be the same old thing. Use cranberry sauce to flavor plain yogurt, add to apple crisp or to enhance the color to whipped cream. Thicken turkey soup with leftover mashed potatoes or gravy. Use stuffing as a “crust” in a breakfast frittata.

It’s not done — Start a compost pile if possible for kitchen scraps, plate waste, spoiled leftovers and yard waste, which accounts for 20 to 30 percent of household waste, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Download the Pueblo Area Recycle Guide at pueblohealthdept.org/recycleinfo or request a hard copy through the mail by calling the Pueblo recycle hotline, 583-4924.

— Pueblo City-County Health Department

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