The festive season is upon us, bringing joy, togetherness, and delicious food. Yet, with all the feasting, it's also a time of year when food waste can easily pile up. Making mindful choices in planning, preparing, and enjoying your festive meal can make a big impact in reducing waste and protecting the planet. At Evoke, sustainability is a core value, and we’re excited to share some simple, effective tips to make your holiday meal more eco-friendly. Here’s how you can bring a bit more green to your festive table!

Plan Ahead for a Waste-Free Meal

One of the simplest ways to make your festive meal sustainable is to plan carefully, avoiding excessive portions that often lead to waste. Start by estimating how much each guest is likely to eat and aim to cook just enough for everyone to enjoy, with a little room for seconds if needed.

Tip: Opt for dishes that complement each other, so if there are leftovers, they can be repurposed together. Planning a balanced menu with a variety of options, like vegetables, grains, and proteins, will help reduce waste while still giving everyone a satisfying meal.

Choose Local and Organic Ingredients

Supporting local farmers and buying organic produce reduces food miles and helps limit the environmental impact of your festive meal. By choosing seasonal, locally-grown fruits and vegetables, you’re also likely to enjoy fresher, tastier ingredients. The same goes for meat, if it’s part of your meal—choose grass-fed, free-range options from local butchers to ensure ethical sourcing.

Tip: Check out your local farmer’s market for seasonal ingredients, which often use less packaging. Plus, you’ll be supporting small businesses in your area.

Rethink Meat and Embrace Plant-Based Dishes

Festive meals don’t have to be synonymous with meat-heavy dishes. Reducing the amount of meat you serve, or adding a few plant-based dishes, is a sustainable choice that helps lower the environmental impact. Dishes such as roasted seasonal vegetables, plant-based pies, and grain-based salads are satisfying, nutritious, and delicious, offering a lovely contrast to traditional meat dishes.

Tip: If going fully vegetarian or vegan isn’t an option for your meal, consider using a smaller portion of meat or experimenting with “meatless” options for a few dishes to balance the menu.

Buy in Bulk and Minimise Packaging Waste

During the festive rush, supermarkets and food stores are full of excessive packaging. When shopping for ingredients, try to buy in bulk to cut down on plastic waste. Purchasing dry goods like nuts, spices, and grains from bulk stores also allows you to get just the amount you need, which prevents both food and packaging waste.

Tip: Many butchers and farmers’ markets welcome customers bringing their own containers—so don’t be shy to ask if they’ll fill them directly!

Embrace Imperfect Produce

Many of us are used to selecting only the most perfect-looking fruits and vegetables. But “imperfect” produce, which often ends up being wasted, is just as nutritious and tasty. Choosing imperfect or “ugly” produce is an excellent way to cut down on food waste and enjoy more variety in your festive meal.

Tip: Keep in mind that veggies can be chopped, roasted, or blended into delicious dishes regardless of appearance. Imperfect carrots, potatoes, and squashes all make wonderful additions to any meal!

Make the Most of Leftovers

A festive meal inevitably leaves behind some delicious leftovers, but the trick to reducing waste is to have a plan for them. Leftovers can be transformed into a variety of tasty dishes for the following days. For example, roast vegetables can be turned into a hearty soup, leftover meats can be used in sandwiches, and even cranberry sauce can be repurposed in desserts or on breakfast toast.

Tip: Encourage guests to take a plate of leftovers home, or use resealable, eco-friendly containers to store your meals for the week. A little creativity can go a long way to preventing any food from ending up in the bin.

Compost Scraps and Recycle Thoughtfully

Food scraps are inevitable when preparing a big meal, but there are ways to ensure they don’t go to waste. Consider setting up a compost bin in your kitchen for vegetable peels, fruit rinds, and coffee grounds. If you don’t have your own garden compost, check with local organisations or community gardens that accept food scraps for composting.

Tip: Be mindful of what you’re tossing in the bin. Some materials, like bones and dairy, aren’t suitable for all types of composting, so look into local composting options that accept these items.

Use Eco-Friendly Tableware and Decorations

Holiday celebrations often involve disposable tableware, but these can easily be replaced with eco-friendly options. Set the table with reusable plates, utensils, and cloth napkins to reduce waste. For decorations, opt for sustainable, natural elements like pine cones, flowers, or seasonal greenery. Not only are these beautiful, but they’re also fully compostable once the festivities are over.

Tip: If you’re hosting a larger event, consider renting glassware and table settings, which is an excellent alternative to single-use plastics.

Share the Feast: Donate Excess Food

If you find yourself with far more food than you anticipated, consider donating the extra portions to those in need. Many local food banks and shelters welcome prepared food donations, especially around the holidays, when the demand is higher.

Tip: Be mindful of food safety guidelines, as some organisations have specific requirements regarding donated food. Reach out to local shelters or charities to ask about their policies before making a donation.

Spread the Message of Sustainable Festive Dining

Sustainability doesn’t have to end with your meal. Inspire friends and family by sharing the sustainable practices you’re embracing this holiday season. Little gestures, like explaining the eco-friendly choices you’ve made or gifting reusable items like beeswax wraps, can encourage others to be mindful in their own celebrations.

Tip: Consider incorporating eco-friendly gifts into your holiday plans as well. Gift cards for experiences, reusable kitchen items, and sustainably produced treats make wonderful presents that are easy on the planet.

A Greener Festive Table with Evoke

This festive season, taking small steps to reduce waste and make sustainable choices can create a more eco-friendly meal that everyone can enjoy. By planning ahead, opting for local and seasonal ingredients, reducing meat, and finding creative ways to enjoy leftovers, you can make a meaningful impact while celebrating with family and friends.

At Evoke, we’re committed to sustainability and hope to inspire others to make eco-friendly choices all year round. Let’s make this festive season one that’s not only merry and bright but also green and light on the planet. Happy sustainable dining!