At the kitchen garden series we’re thinking about how to honor the systems that feed us, and what we can do to make the most of every morsel as the holiday season approaches and the harvest brings a cornucopia of produce into our homes. 

Throughout the year, up to one-third of all food produced in America ends up in the garbage. Sometimes a farm had a great growing season and underestimated demand, so they have too much of a good thing. Sometimes food is dumped when the farmer has a crop that is slightly irregular or imperfect looking. Some food gets thrown out between the farm and the grocery store in transport. More food is discarded at the grocery store when certain foods don’t sell well. And more food is wasted in our homes because we forgot it in the refrigerator or it was hidden behind something in the crisper drawer. 

To reduce food waste in your kitchen this season, you can start by making some simple changes in your daily food purchasing cycle. For an easy change, try out a CSA group (community supported agriculture) in your area for some ‘ugly’ vegetables or shop for your groceries at local farm stands and farmers markets. Plan your menu to use every part of the goods you bring home from the market. Eat the beet greens with local cheese baked in a tart, make carrot top pesto with backyard walnuts, enjoy some radish green soup, or just make a big pot of vegetable stock with your food scraps. And of course, think about how to better store your food wisely to keep it fresher longer. 

 Our linen produce bags, bread bags, and tea towels are great for all sorts of food storage and can help kickstart your holiday food mindfulness journey. Our linens can help you set a sustainable table this holiday season, honor the natural resources used to produce your food, and send gratitude to the people who labored to bring it to your tables. Let us help your food stay fresher and give you something to feel good about during big holiday feasts.