What can you do with leftover turkey that rewards your taste buds? Waste Wise wants your recipes.
Brian Bull / KLCC
Before you toss those leftover yams or turkey, Lane County officials urge you to get creative and share a recipe instead.
Waste Wise is part of the county’s waste management division, and for the second year of its “Simplify the Holidays” campaign, is sponsoring a recipe contest.
Waste reduction outreach coordinator Dan Hiestand said the holidays are a time of joy and merriment, but also of waste.
“Twenty percent of the garbage Lane County residents throw away is actually purchased food,” Hiestand told KLCC. “So there’s an opportunity there for improvement. In fact, the average family of four tosses out roughly $2,000 every year in wasted food.”
A glazed ham can be remade into sandwiches, stews, or anything else a creative cook can devise.
Brian Bull / KLCC
Food waste is a leading methane producer, which contributes to global warming, according to international environmental advocacy group The World Wide Fund for Nature.
“Waste Wise Lane County is laser-focused on helping empower residents and businesses with food waste reduction tools,” Hiestand said. “Between 30-40% of all food produced is never eaten, so preventing wasted food is one of the most powerful things we can do to address the climate crisis. Eating what you have is a critical part of that. We hope this contest shows leftovers can be quite delicious with a little creativity while saving money.”
People have until New Year’s Eve to submit their homespun recipes, with winners announced on Jan. 3. Rules are on Waste Wise’s social media accounts. Prizes include gift certificates and sustainable products, as well as peace of mind knowing those cranberries aren’t headed to the landfill.