5 Eco-Friendly Festive Food Choices

'Tis the season to shop till you drop and that includes the grocery store. It's hard to resist all those festive favorites, from fruitcake to candy canes. But we all know that most of these goodies end up going in the bin after the holidays. So, here are five top tips for feeling good about the impact of your Christmas indulgences. They're even tastier too!

Waste Not, Want Not

The problem is when you throw out food, you aren't just wasting what you haven't eaten, you're also wasting all the resources that were used to produce it. So, this year, make an early resolution to create a list and only buy what you need. If you do have leftovers, don't throw them out, turn them into tasty dishes like this turkey meatloaf instead. 

Happy Turkey, Happy Tastebuds

It's the centrepiece of the festive feast and the one tradition even the most die-hard eco-warrior will probably want to keep this Christmas. The good news is that it is possible to pick a turkey that's had a happier life and left a smaller environmental footprint too. Try to buy free range or organic and look for labels stating the meat is Animal Welfare Approved, Certified Humane Raised and Handled, or at least Step 3 in the Global Animal Partnership's 5‐Step Animal Welfare Rating Standards. They may cost a bit more, but we think you'll taste the festive difference too!

Eat Your Greens — It's the Holidays

A time to indulge and not to worry so much about always making the healthiest choices. But there is a simple way to counteract some of that festive excess: eat more greens. Vegetables and pulses are good for you, too, naturally low in fat and calories whilst being packed with essential vitamins. But make sure you pile plenty of green vegetables onto your plate, alongside that turkey and mash.

Make Wise Choices

It's not always easy to tell which foods have been farmed and produced sustainably, but luckily some brands make it easier for you to make wise choices when you are filling up your cart. At this time of goodwill, look out for brands that source ingredients sustainably, with care for workers and the environment. Look out for Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, or Knorr Sustainability Partnership logos on food labels. 

Go Large With Mashed Potatoes

There is one thing you don't have to swap, which is lucky because turkey isn't the same without a side of mashed potatoes. The good news is these are something you can indulge in without feeling guilty, as they're not only delicious, but also pretty eco-friendly. Why? because it only takes around 76 gallons of water to grow 2.2 pounds of potatoes. To put that into context, the equivalent amount of wheat requires anywhere between 109 and 879 gallons. Meanwhile, 2.2 pounds of beef can use as much as 3,388 gallons! Just remember to add that traditional holiday flavor with some Knorr Classic Brown Gravy.