On the path towards a more sustainable lifestyle and a healthier self, learning how to reduce food waste at home is of paramount importance. When looking for ways to eat healthy and sustainable food without breaking the bank, the last thing you want to do is to buy some delicious organic food, forget it in the fridge and then have to throw it away.
Cut waste and costs with these 5 easy food-saving strategies!
Food waste is a huge problem worldwide1; but we all can, and must, do our part in fighting against it, and it will be easier than you think if you follow these 5 tips:
- Check expiration vs best-by dates Trust your senses when checking expiration dates. Your eyes and nose are your best allies when assessing food quality. When stored correctly, most food tends to last longer than what’s written on the package2.
- Love your leftovers. Get creative on how to use your leftovers to make new recipes. Learn how to cook from scratch, and look online for inspiration
- Plan ahead as much as you can. Thinking ahead of what you are going to eat is crucial when trying to reduce your food waste at home. Batch cooking and meal planning are your best friends if you want to save time without having to rely on expensive ready made food. Shopping with a list will prevent impulse buys that may go to waste.
- Appreciate “ugly” or near-expiration produce. Fruit and vegetables sometimes don’t meet our cosmetic standards, but they are still perfectly delicious to eat. You can save money and divert food waste from the landfill by buying misshapen or blemished items.
- Store food the right way. Store and rotate your food according to the expiration date. Follow the “first in, first out” principle by using older items before newer ones. Store your food at the right temperature and in suitable airtight containers to preserve its freshness for longer.3
BONUS TIP!
- Love your tap water This will vary depending on where you live. I used to live in London, and drinking water from my tap was like drinking melted iron. But most households will have good drinking tap water, healthier and more refreshing than most drinks we can buy in the store. Give it a chance and try yours, you might become addicted to it. If you are not sure of the quality of your tap water, get a water filter. Get a reusable bottle to stay hydrated while on the go.
Small changes that make a big impact
There are so many ways you can easily reduce your food waste at home. Eat what you have first, and you will avoid unnecessary grocery trips. Keep track of what needs to be used first: with a bit of planning you can reduce the money but also the time spent grocery shopping. Cooking the right amount of food will avoid excess. Learning how to keep food fresh for longer you will extend its shelf life.
Ready to waste less food at home? You can find more tips on how you can do a more sustainable grocery shopping here