As Christmas approaches, the tradition of opulent tables, overflowing trays and the usual “make a little more, don’t miss it” also returns. It’s an identity trait. We believe that abundance is synonymous with affection, generosity and respect. However, behind this cultural practice there remains a disturbing fact that we cannot continue to ignore: each Portuguese person wastes, on average, 183 kg of food per yearaccording to data from 2023. And even more disturbing is knowing that 67% of this waste occurs in homesthat is, about 123 kg of food is discarded annually by each person.
It’s not just about trash. This is a structural problem that corrodes natural resources, worsens emissions, compromises income and imposes a burden on future generations. Food waste is a reflection of the model of society we perpetuate. Changing habits is imperative – and Christmas can be the symbolic moment to reverse the logic of “doing too much”.
The urgency of this debate is reinforced by the Intergenerational Justice Index 2025do Institute of Public Policy from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, which evaluates the country we are building for whoever succeeds us. The conclusions are clear and worrying: after advances until 2020, there were significant declines in areas essential to the well-being of future generations – housing, health and public finances. Youth autonomy regressed and the consumption of antidepressants increased. All in all, the report is unequivocal: the country we leave will be less balanced and less fair.
Given this scenario, reducing food waste seems almost trivial: you just need to ration better. It’s a simple, economical change that can save millions. And here, restaurants and tourist accommodation can set an example. Despite negative public perception, the HORECA channel represents only 11.5% of food wastemuch less than families. Still, it is in these sectors that television images of full containers fall, while domestic crates remain invisible.
Composed of 90% micro-enterprises, the sector faces short margins, high worker turnover and daily demand uncertainty. Even so, many establishments invest in technology – and even artificial intelligence – to predict consumption, adjust purchases, manage stocks and minimize leftovers. When a restaurant weighs waste, analyzes patterns, adjusts technical sheets and donates surplus, it contributes to something greater than its own efficiency: it reinforces collective sustainability.
Legislation also evolves. The new Waste Framework Directive imposes mandatory targets until 2030 – reduction of 10% on production and transformation and of 30% per capita in retail, restaurants, hotels and domestic consumption. But will families be able to cut 37 kg of waste per person, per year? Yes, as long as they start now this Christmas. Planning purchases, calculating realistic portions, creatively reusing and freezing methodically are simple steps.
And if this Christmas is celebrated in a restaurant or hotel – an increasingly common practice – let it be seen not as a loss of tradition, but as a gesture of appreciation for what really matters: being together. By choosing a space where everything is prepared, we free ourselves from hours in the kitchen and gain time to talk, laugh and create memories. When the meal is over, taking the leftovers is not just an act of respect for the resources and the work of those who prepared them, it is extending the flavor and affection beyond the table, transforming each reused dish into a symbol of awareness and care. Because the true Christmas spirit lies in the quality of the moments shared and the responsibility we assume for the future.
If we want a country that treats future generations better, as the Intergenerational Justice Index reminds us, we have to consider what we throw away. This Christmas, I leave an invitation: let us continue to put affection on the table, but add awareness and responsibility to the dishes. Because every meal not wasted is a silent gift to those who come after us.
And I end on a bright note, worthy of the Christmas spirit: according to a Google report, Livraria Lello, in Porto, was the most searched destination in the world Google Maps all over the world. This data confirms that Portugal continues to seduce the global gaze, remaining at the epicenter of curiosity and charm. May this international projection inspire us to take care of what is ours – starting with the way we treat the resources that sustain us. After all, as Pope Francis said, “Wasting food is stealing from the table of those who are hungry.” Let’s transform this Christmas into an invitation to awareness, responsibility and generosity. Happy holidays!
General Secretary of AHRESP