Get creative in the kitchen to cut food waste and carbon emissions

Scotland’s National Chef, Gary Maclean, has called on Scots to think fast on food waste as research shows that just one portion of Christmas dinner wasted produces the same carbon emissions as having Christmas lights on every day in December.
Mark Dowie
By Mark Dowie
Published 22nd Dec 2021, 15:00 BST
National Chef Gary MacLean is encouraging everyone to get creative to cut food waste.National Chef Gary MacLean is encouraging everyone to get creative to cut food waste.
National Chef Gary MacLean is encouraging everyone to get creative to cut food waste.

Shining a light on the shocking carbon cost of food that goes uneaten, the insight comes as Zero Waste Scotland anticipates 67 million meals will be needlessly wasted in Scotland this month alone.

Masterchef: The Professionals winner, Gary, hopes the drive will encourage Scots to make small actions to reduce festive food waste this year.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: “As a nation of food lovers with an enviable natural larder, it’s absolutely devastating to think of the carbon emissions that discarded Christmas dinners will produce in Scotland this year.

Most Popular

“We’re all aware that we can help reduce our carbon footprint by switching off our lights. I want to shine a light on the devastating impact our uneaten food will have on the environment this festive season.

“That’s why I’m calling on Scots to take action to reduce food waste this Christmas - by being more savvy with their shopping, serving up smartly, loving their leftovers and more.”

Gary’s top tips for limiting food waste at home this festive season are:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Shop savvy – Overbuying is one of the biggest causes of food waste - plan ahead to buy your turkey and just the right amount of trimmings for your family.

Cook correctly – Cook your turkey upside down and at a lower temperature to reduce the chances of the meat drying out and becoming unpalatable.

Serve buffet-style – Serving Christmas dinner buffet-style means guests can choose their preferred portion size, helping to reduce leftovers.

Love leftovers – Still have leftovers? Get creative in the kitchen to make everything from a breakfast hash to party food, making the most of excess ingredients.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Zero Waste Scotland is raising awareness of food waste during the festive season as, despite food waste being a significant contributor to greenhouse gases, only 22% of Scots say they are fully aware of this. Further information and recipe inspiration can be found at https://scotland.lovefoodhatewaste.com​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​.

Related topics:ScotlandGary Maclean