8 Tips for Reducing Food Waste this 4th of July

The Fourth of July conjures up many memories. Memories of watching the glorious fireworks display after the Colorado Rapids soccer games… Memories of hiking in the mountains during the holiday weekend... Memories of attending festive and fun celebrations…

Unfortunately, I also remember wasting a lot of beautiful, delicious, good food.

This could have been avoided with simple planning and coordination. If you are hosting a barbecue, join me in an effort to reduce food waste this Fourth of July. Here are a few tips to help fight food waste.

1. ) Confirm your guest list. Reach out to see if your attendees are bringing others. Plan your menu and shopping list accordingly so that you don’t buy too much.
2. ) Check your fridge and pantry and see if you can use up any food you have. Get creative!
3. ) If you are having guests bring food as well, coordinate who is bringing what so that you don’t end up with three tubs of coleslaw and no delicious desserts.
4. ) Create your shopping list and stick to it, buying just enough food for your guest list.
5. ) Ensure you maintain food safety guidelines when cooking so you don’t have to toss food that goes bad.
6. ) Don’t put all of the food out at once. Instead, use small serving bowls and refill them when needed. You can also serve smaller individual portions.
7. ) Have a plan for leftovers. Ask guests beforehand to bring containers and offer leftovers at the end. Plan to eat the leftovers yourself. You can even offer leftovers to friendly neighbors.
8. ) When all else fails, compost any food scraps.

Not hosting a barbecue? You can still be a food waste fighter this Fourth of July by enjoying smaller portions, eating mindfully and asking to take home leftovers.

Happy Fourth, Food Waste Fighters!