GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) — Thanksgiving, a time to enjoy a meal with family and friends and take in the all-day football affair, also produces more waste than one might imagine. A recent study found that over 300 million pounds of food will be wasted this Thanksgiving alone. Adding this up to a dollar amount, that totals more than $500 million. King County, Washington's Solid Waste Division Commercial Organics Program Manager, Eliza Kruszynski, explains how to limit food heading to local landfills. Sustainably Speaking: Green Bay Conservation Corps continues revitalizing Red Smith Park "So, get a head count for your meal. There are actually some great online calculators to help you do that," says Kruszynski. "What's the next best thing after Thanksgiving? It's Thanksgiving leftovers. So, make it fun. Ask your guests to bring containers so they can bring leftovers home, or bring leftovers to your neighbors too." The study also revealed that around 58 percent of the food wasted this holiday season consists of two items: not surprisingly, turkey, being number one, with milk at number two. On top of being uneaten, if food ends up at local landfills, this can have negative repercussions on the environment. Sustainably Speaking: Reminders ahead of National Recycling Day "When we throw away food, we are also throwing away all of the energy, all of the water, all of the labor that went into getting that food from the farm to our plates. When that food goes to the landfill, it also creates potent greenhouse gases like methane, and the amount of emissions from food waste on Thanksgiving could actually power 26,000 homes." Kruszynski told Local 5 News that there are many tools, like an online calculator, to determine how much food you will need to prepare for your Thanksgiving gatherings. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources also has tips on their website on ways to reduce food waste and save money.