3 Days until Christmas of HOTBIN Composting Tips
Turkey and Trimmings – Composting at Christmas
The holiday season is synonymous with indulgence, and Americans are no exception. On average, Americans gain about ten pounds during December festivities, making it the third most calorie-laden time of the year, following Thanksgiving and Super Bowl Sunday.
Among the 244 million turkeys raised in the U.S. annually, 22 million are served on Christmas tables. While the typical daily caloric intake per person is 2,000–2,500 calories, a single Christmas meal can average 3,000 calories. Unfortunately, it's estimated that 4.2 million festive dinners end up being wasted each year.
How can we consume so much and still waste so much?
Christmas is often a time of excess, encouraged by tempting TV ads showcasing irresistible holiday feasts. This leads many of us to overbuy and overprepare, only to throw away leftovers. To make matters worse, around 400,000 Americans fall ill each year from mishandling or consuming Christmas leftovers. The good news? There’s a sustainable solution!
Instead of letting leftovers go to waste, let your HOTBIN enjoy a Christmas feast, too!
HOTBIN Christmas Menu
Appetizers
- Vegetable Peelings: These make a great starter for your HOTBIN. Chop them into smaller pieces for faster decomposition. For tougher items like avocado pits, breaking them into smaller chunks helps them break down quicker.
- Cheese Board: Hard cheeses can be composted—cut them into small cubes, like party snacks! Note: Soft cheeses are not suitable due to their high liquid content.
Main Course
- Turkey, Roast Potatoes, Cooked Vegetables, Stuffing, and Pigs in Blankets: Your HOTBIN loves cooked food and bones! Preheat it to 100–104°F to maintain optimal composting temperatures. Since cooked food waste tends to be wet, mix it with 2–3 handfuls of shredded paper per 1.5 gallons of food waste and add a bulking agent like mulch for the best results.
- Cranberry Sauce, Bread Sauce, and Gravy: Add these as plate scrapings. Avoid adding large quantities at once, as they can make the bin too wet. Break them into smaller batches and mix in extra shredded paper to balance moisture.
Dessert
- Christmas Pudding: If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers after finding all the coins, these can go into your HOTBIN too!
Drinks
- Hot and Cold Beverages: Avoid adding liquids, as they can make your HOTBIN soggy. However, tea bags and coffee grounds are welcome—just squeeze or press out excess moisture before composting.
By following these tips, you can reduce waste this holiday season while creating nutrient-rich compost. Give your HOTBIN a Christmas feast and do your part for the planet. Happy composting!