In a Project Drawdown analysis of how the global community can reduce food waste to help avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change, it ranks reducing food waste as the #1 solution that would limit end-of-century warming to 2°C. If we target the limit of warming to 1.5°C, reducing food waste comes in at #4, just after a plant-rich diet.
It takes a tremendous amount of energy to grow, process, package, store, and transport the food we bring into our homes. Making sure you purchase and prepare the right amount of food, use up leftovers, and compost food scraps is an important climate action.
Tips to Reduce Food Waste at Thanksgiving (USDA)
5 Effective Ways to Reduce Food Waste this Thanksgiving (Johnson & Wales University)