November 2025 Sustainability Challenge

November: Cut Food Waste

Did you know that about one-third of the U.S. food supply goes to waste each year? That’s billions of dollars lost — and, according to the EPA, food is the single largest category of material in municipal landfills, where it generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

By reducing food waste, we can save money, lessen our environmental footprint, and help get wholesome food to people who need it. Small changes at home can make a big difference.

  • Understand Food Labels. “Use By” and “Sell By” dates can be confusing, but they don’t always mean food is unsafe. Visit the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service website for clear explanations.
  • Compost Your Scraps. Turning food scraps into compost keeps them out of landfills and creates nutrient-rich material for gardens or container plants. Find how-to guides at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk and the Town of Huntington.
  • Learn and Be Inspired. This month, organic gardening expert Renato will present “The Wild Harvest: Grow, Catch, Cook” — a program on Nov. 13 exploring fishing, beekeeping, cooking, and the abundance we can grow or harvest close to home.

Take the challenge this November: explore these resources, try one new food-waste–reducing habit, and help make our community more sustainable.

Upcoming Events

This event is in the "Teens" group

Joy Jars

7:00pm–8:00pm
Teens
Registration Required
Library Branch: South Huntington Public Library
Room: Young Adult Library
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Sustainable
Registration Required
Event Details:

Spark some joy using discarded books, wire, embellishments and lights. Everyone will use their own personal inspiration and design a cute joy jar.

Disclaimer(s)

Young Adult Programs

If you are more than 5 minutes late for a program and haven't called to hold your spot, we will assume you are not coming and will allow waiting patrons into the program. 

This event is in the "Adults" group

Caregiver Support Group

2:00pm–3:00pm
Adults
Library Branch: South Huntington Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Fitness, Sustainable
Event Details:

Are you providing care for someone with Alzheimer's Disease or another dementia? You DO NOT have to meet the challenges alone! Join the Alzheimer's Disease Resource Center (ADRC) for their monthly caregiver support group.

This event is in the "Teens" group
Registration Required
Library Branch: South Huntington Public Library
Room: Young Adult Library
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Get Involved, Sustainable
Registration Required
Event Details:

Create some gift tags made from book pages that we will be sharing with our Adult Department.  One hour of community service.  For SHPL cardholders in grades 6-12. Registration begins November 28 at 7pm. 

Disclaimer(s)

Young Adult Programs

If you are more than 5 minutes late for a program and haven't called to hold your spot, we will assume you are not coming and will allow waiting patrons into the program.