SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane holds an unfortunate distinction: according to the Washington State Department of Ecology, it leads the state in throwing away uneaten and spoiled food. About one-third of all food waste in the area could have been eaten or composted. This is a sobering reality for a community where many residents face food insecurity and wonder where their next meal will come from.
As the holiday season approaches—a time known for overindulgence—the city of Spokane is urging residents to take steps to reduce food waste and help those in need.
Plan Smart, Waste Less
Reducing food waste starts at the store and in the kitchen.
Plan and Buy Smart: Make a detailed grocery list based on your recipes and stick to it. Avoid over-buying “just in case.”Collaborate With Guests: When someone asks what they can bring, suggest they also bring reusable to-go containers to take home leftovers.Freeze for Later: Save extra portions in freezer-safe bags for soups or other meals. Consider offering guests items like the turkey carcass to make soup.
Don’t Trash the Scraps
Cooking holiday meals often results in a lot of scraps—potato peels, onion skins, celery ends, and more. Proper disposal can make a big difference.
Compost: Keep a food scrap bowl nearby while cooking to collect compostable items. These can go into your green yard waste cart, including turkey carcasses.Donate Unopened Extras: If you bought items that you didn’t use, donate them to a local food bank.
Avoid Greasy Mistakes
Fats, oils, and grease are a major problem for sewer systems, causing blockages when they solidify in pipes. Don’t pour grease down the drain, even with hot water—it doesn’t help and wastes water.
Dispose Properly: Collect grease in a sealable container, such as an empty Cool Whip tub, and throw it in the garbage.
Recycle Right
Thanksgiving cleanup means sorting waste properly. Spokane’s recycling guidelines offer specific tips for common items:
Food Scraps: Compost items like turkey bones in your green yard cart.Aluminum Pans: Recyclable, as long as they are clean.Plastic Containers and Lids: Separate and clean before recycling.Holiday Lights: If broken, don’t recycle them; they belong in the brown garbage cart.
A Holiday Reminder
As families gather and share meals, the season offers an opportunity to reflect on gratitude—and waste less. By taking small steps to reduce food waste, Spokane residents can protect the environment and help their neighbors in need.
For more information you can go to TalkTrashSpokane.com and UseFoodWell.org.
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