'Tis the Season…to Care for the Earth
In our culture December celebrations often centre around social gatherings and food. Many of us have favourite Christmas treats and food traditions. Celebrations are important socially and emotionally but are we mindful of how much we consume and how much waste we create? The holiday season generates enormous waste and this includes food waste.
Food Waste During the Festive Season
“The festive season is synonymous with indulgent feasts and lavish spreads, but it also leads to a significant amount of food waste…This issue of food waste is compounded by over-purchasing and the disposal of specific Christmas food items.
Seven in ten people readily admit to buying far more food than they need for Christmas. Over-purchasing results in 230,000 tonnes of food in the bin during the festive season. The waste is equivalent to 42 million plates worth of food, highlighting the enormity of the issue. Being mindful of what and how much food is consumed during the holidays can help minimise waste.
Careful planning of meals and portion sizes can significantly reduce food waste. Keeping track of what you already have and making a clear plan can prevent unnecessary purchases. Leftovers can be creatively repurposed into new meals and excess gifts of food items donated, reducing the need to throw away excess food.
…consider donating excess food to local food banks or charities. Additionally, proper storage and timely consumption of festive foods can help reduce waste. By being conscious of our food habits, we can make a positive impact on the environment. ”
For more information on Christmas Waste go to Waste Mission Food Waste
Let us nurture our bodies and our relationships, by being gentle with ourselves, our earth and all its creatures.
Kathleen Howard
On behalf of the Knox United Green Team
Advent Prayer (excerpt)
So let this Advent's message be, of hope, not of despair,
A world united, bold and free, with enough to share.
From polar ice to coral sea, in this sacred air,
We dream, we act, with hearts akey, a future bright and fair.
For in the hush of Advent's night, hope whispers, clear and true,
A beacon in the darkest plight, guiding me and you.
In every candle's gentle light, in every drop of dew,
Lies the power of our united might, to start the world anew.
- Shane Goldie (Member of The United Church of Canada delegation to COP28.)
Christmas Message from the Right Reverend Dr. Carmen Landsdowne, Moderator
https://united-church.ca/news/moderators-christmas-message-2024