In response to the article Nov. 26, “Thanksgiving leftovers are harming the planet ... .” It was a great reminder to recreate dishes using Thanksgiving leftovers into something new. However, I don’t see that happening, with the exception of transforming the carcass into soup the next day. I have heard from so many people that it’s all tossed after the meal. No one is eager to eat Aunt Gertrude’s green bean casserole the next day. Of course there are those who enjoy another round or simply a turkey sandwich but beyond that, it’s going into the bin. It’s really not even safe to keep left overs for more than two days in the fridge, not to mention the classic turkey carcass smell.
Sadly, it’s wasted. I was shocked to read that the collective amount of waste is 320 million pounds! Of course in San Mateo County, composting is the way to go but multi-family households are not necessarily doing that, either because of the effort it takes to transport the little green bin out to the big green bin or because it’s easier to use the garbage shoot from their fourth-story condo.
There is another way to consider eliminating the food waste, which my family has done many times: Package it up into those clamshell containers and drive around your local downtown to find someone who may be in need of a warm meal. The football game can wait for a few minutes while you make someone’s holiday bright. It’s something to consider, especially with Christmas coming up, saves the landfill and does a lot for both the giver and the receiver. Don’t forget the utensils.
Thanks for your letter, Ms. Boland, and your honorable intentions to share your leftovers. Now for some Debbie Downer observations… If folks aren’t willing to eat their leftovers, what makes you think others will appreciate Aunt Gertrude’s green bean casserole or any other leftovers? And in California, doesn’t nanny state California have regulations to follow if one is going to offer leftovers to others? Who is liable if someone gets sick, or is poisoned, or doesn’t know they’re allergic to green beans or any other ingredient? It may be simpler and less expensive to not get involved in feeding others and instead, toss the leftovers in whatever bin you’re supposed to. And next year, make less food, or serve only foods you’re happy to eat/freeze as leftovers. Depending upon what you’re serving, I may invite myself to partake of your leftovers (although I’ll pass on green beans). I’ll sign a waiver excusing you from liability.
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Thanks for your letter, Ms. Boland, and your honorable intentions to share your leftovers. Now for some Debbie Downer observations… If folks aren’t willing to eat their leftovers, what makes you think others will appreciate Aunt Gertrude’s green bean casserole or any other leftovers? And in California, doesn’t nanny state California have regulations to follow if one is going to offer leftovers to others? Who is liable if someone gets sick, or is poisoned, or doesn’t know they’re allergic to green beans or any other ingredient? It may be simpler and less expensive to not get involved in feeding others and instead, toss the leftovers in whatever bin you’re supposed to. And next year, make less food, or serve only foods you’re happy to eat/freeze as leftovers. Depending upon what you’re serving, I may invite myself to partake of your leftovers (although I’ll pass on green beans). I’ll sign a waiver excusing you from liability.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.