Too Good To Go has released the results of a survey highlighting the level of food waste at Christmas, issuing tips to avoid unnecessary waste.
In collaboration with OnePoll, the surplus food-saving app found that 50% of the food that Irish consumers buy for the Christmas period goes uneaten.
While the festive season is a time for celebration, it can also lead to a frenzy of food preparation, with some 16% of respondents saying that they always feel pressure to over-cater for the holiday.
In addition to this, some 25% of Irish consumers admit to wasting bread over Christmas – from uneaten loaves to crusts, bread appears to be a major culprit in the nation’s food waste.
When it comes to sauces, some 23% of respondents said that they throw away seasonal sauces, such as cranberry sauce and brandy butter.
These festive staples – often only used for a single meal – contribute significantly to the food waste problem.
A quarter of Irish households are guilty of throwing away a full food item over the festive period, with some 18% admitting to wasting more.
Even vegetables are not immune, with some 8% of households throwing away large amounts of Brussels sprouts, while 16% waste moderate amounts of carrots and potatoes.
‘Make A Difference’
Speaking about the survey results, the sales manager for Ireland at Too Good To Go, Machaela O Leary, said, “We all love the joy of a festive feast, but it’s important to remember that food waste can have a significant impact on our planet.
“By taking simple steps, like planning meals and using leftovers creatively, we can enjoy the holiday season without contributing to the issue.
“Together, we can make a difference and all contribute to reduce our food waste over the busy Christmas season.”
In order to prevent excessive waste this Christmas, Too Good To Go has issued some tips on how to maximise food use without eating the same things over and over.
The famous turkey curry is an easy and fruitful way to use leftovers, by adding spices, vegetables and a dollop of coconut milk to create a warming and different meal.
Roasted vegetables also need not go to waste – why not combine leftover items such as carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes with a bit of butter, cream and seasoning, for a delicious mash?
Additionally, experiment with vegetable fritters, using flour, eggs and spices with the leftover vegetables to create a crispy and flavourful snack to enjoy with your favourite dipping sauce.
Finally, in order to save all that bread from going to waste, Too Good To Go advises drying out stale bread and blitzing it in a food processor to make home-made breadcrumbs – perfect for coating chicken or fish, or adding to hearty casseroles or soups.
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