26: Holiday Food Waste — Simple Ways to Reduce Waste, Save Money, and Celebrate Sustainably

Festive food and drink are an important part of celebrating the holidays, but food waste shouldn’t be. In this episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs , Sarah Robertson-Barnes shares simple, sustainable ways to reduce food waste, save money, and plan mindful, eco-friendly holiday meals. From meal planning and low-waste hosting tips, to getting kids involved in the kitchen, you’ll learn how to plan for enough, use what you have, and enjoy the season without overspending or overbuying. This episode is full of practical tips and real-life inspiration to help your family live a little greener — one meal at a time. Takeaways Preventing food waste is one of the easiest ways to save money and cut emissions. Plan meals around what you already have — and plan for enough , not excess. A kitchen audit before shopping helps you save money and stress. Changing the way you host can significantly cut costs and reduce waste. Encourage guests to bring containers for leftovers. Abundance is about gratitude and connection, not “more.” Simple shifts in how we plan and eat can make a real difference for the planet. One Small Shift This week, try planning the old-fashioned way! Sit down with a pen and notebook before the busy season hits, take stock of what’s in your kitchen, and make a simple plan for what you actually need. Resources FoodMesh ReFED How to Reduce Food Waste Over the Holidays (blog post) 6 Recipes for Gifts in a Jar (blog post + free download) A Simple Kitchen Audit A Beginners Guide to a Sustainable Kitchen (use code PODCAST20) Support the show Connect With Me Website Newsletter Shop Instagram Support the Show Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener.