Climate Connections The U.S. could throw away 320 million pounds of food this Thanksgiving
Nov 24, 2025
Thanksgiving could lead to a staggering 320 million pounds of food waste, significantly impacting climate change by emitting as much greenhouse gas as 190,000 cars each year. The hosts discuss how landfill methane and production emissions contribute to global warming. To combat this, they provide practical tips like cooking less and encouraging guests to bring containers for leftovers. Small changes can make a big difference in reducing food waste during the holiday season.
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The Overloaded Thanksgiving Table
- Many families feel Thanksgiving is incomplete without a long list of dishes, which creates surplus food.
- Hosts often end up with pounds of food they cannot possibly consume alone.
Thanksgiving Waste Magnifies Climate Impact
- Food waste adds climate emissions both when it rots and when it's produced and transported.
- ReFed estimates Thanksgiving waste equals driving 190,000 gas vehicles for a year.
Cook Less And Share Leftovers
- Cook a little less of each dish to avoid excess leftovers.
- Invite guests to bring takeout containers so leftovers get eaten instead of trashed.