Slim down your waste this Christmas

Food waste contributes 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions - five times more than aviation - and we all tend to overindulge over Christmas and that can produce a lot of waste. Buying only what you'll eat and not going crazy with portion sizes can help reduce waste and could help your waist. This month’s Green Steps are all food waste themed. We hope you find them useful.

Buy what you’ll eat

Cook what you need

Also on the love food hate waste website, you can find a food portion calculator, to work out the recommended average portion size for the type of food you’re planning to make, so you cook just enough and avoid too much waste.

Use your leftovers

If you do end up with food left over from your meals, you could finish them off later, but you could ruin your Christmas if you don’t do it safely.

Cool it at room temperature and put it in the fridge within a couple of hours. You should eat leftovers within 48 hours or freeze them to eat later.

The Food Standards Agency has tips on chilling, freezing and defrosting food safety.