How to reduce festive waste this year

The time of year is great - cosy lights, too much chocolate, questionable jumpers - but let’s be honest: it can also be a bit… much. Big shops. Big meals. Big waste. In fact, the UK throws away millions of tonnes of extra food every December, much of it perfectly edible. And we think that stinks. At The Crafty Pickle Co., we’re big believers in keeping things tasty and sustainable, and Christmas is the perfect time to do both. So here’s a practical, fun, money-saving guide to cutting food waste without losing any of the festive joy.

1. Plan the feast (so you don’t cook for an army of elves)

It sounds simple, but planning portions is the single biggest way to prevent waste. Think:

• How many people are actually coming?

• Who actually eats Brussels sprouts?

• Does anyone really need three puddings?

Use a portion planner (e.g. Love Food Hate Waste has a good one) and buy what you actually need - not what the supermarkets convince you you need.

2. Embrace the “potluck Christmas”

Get everyone to bring a dish - this makes less work for you, and no giant grocery shop. Plus, there’s something wonderfully communal about sharing everyone’s signature festive recipe. Just coordinate so you don’t end up with five trifles and no veg.

3. Store fresh food properly to make it last

A quick storage tweak can add days to the life of your produce:

• Keep carrots, parsnips, and sprouts in the fridge (they last far longer).

• Put herbs in a glass of water, like a bouquet.

• Wrap cheese in greaseproof paper or place in tupperware.

• Keep your fridge below 5°C.

• And don’t forget the freezer - it’s basically a pause button for food.

  
  

4. Make friends with leftovers - they’re the best bit anyway

Leftovers are where the magic happens, but if you're not a fan then think of those in your life who might appreciate a meal they can stick in the freezer for another time. Think:

• Christmas lunch soup (basically blend all leftovers together with stock!)

• Bubble & squeak

• Christmas curry

• Festive frittata

• Turkey (or nut roast!) tacos or nachos

• Cranberry chutney grilled sandwiches

If you’re secretly more excited about Boxing Day food than Christmas Day then we have something in common!

5. Get ahead with pre-Christmas pickling & fermenting

Got too many veggies in the lead-up? Turn them into jars of tangy goodness. Carrots, cabbage, onions, sprouts (yes, really!) can all be pickled or fermented. It saves waste, boosts gut health, and gives you something delicious to serve with your festive spread. (And of course, if you’d rather let someone else do the fermenting… we know a great little business 😉)

6. Avoid “filler foods”

We’ve all picked up those extra nibbles “just in case someone wants them” - mini sausage rolls, the third cheese board, crackers for days. This year, try a gentle rule: if it’s not a firm favourite, it doesn’t go in the trolley. Your bank balance will thank you.

7. Get creative with edible decorations

Turn your festive table into something beautiful and useful:

• Dried orange slices that you later use in mulled wine

• Rosemary sprigs that end up in roast potatoes

• A bowl of apples and nuts instead of plastic décor

Decorations you can eat = never wasted.

8. Share the surplus

If you do end up with extras, give them away before they spoil to:

• Neighbours

• Food-sharing apps like Olio

• Local community fridges

• Friends and family.

Sometimes the kindest thing you can do at Christmas is hand someone a homemade portion of something delicious.

9. Rethink gifting: less stuff, more meaning

Food waste links closely to general overconsumption which is rife this time of year. A few simple shifts can cut clutter, save cash, and reduce environmental impact:

• Give experiences instead of objects

• Make long-lasting edible gifts - chutneys, infused oils, ferments

• Or support small, sustainable businesses (hi 👋)

A thoughtful gift beats a landfill-bound novelty any day.

10. Remember: a “perfect Christmas” doesn’t need excess

A sustainable Christmas isn’t about missing out - it’s about reclaiming the joy: tasty food, cosy moments, fewer financial pressures, and less chaos. When you buy less, waste less, and stress less, you end up with more: more space, more calm, more satisfaction.

And honestly… no one has ever said: “Do you know what my favourite part of Christmas was? The food we scraped into the bin.”

Cutting food waste is one of the easiest, tastiest, and most meaningful things you can do for the planet and your wallet this festive season. And it doesn’t require perfection - just a little planning, some creative cooking, and a sprinkle of Crafty Pickle spirit!