Tips For Reducing Food Waste

Food waste is a major issue in many households. However, with some changes to your routine, you can make your kitchen more sustainable. With better food usage habits, you can cut down on food waste, which not only helps you to be more eco-friendly, but also helps to save money.

Plan Your Meals

One of the easiest ways to reduce food waste is to plan your meals out before going grocery shopping. Make a list of ingredients you need and buy only what you plan on using.  Avoid impulse purchases and consider expiration dates when selecting things like fresh produce, dairy, or meat. Shopping with a plan helps you utilize your food in a certain time frame.

Store Food Properly

Proper storage extends the life of your groceries and prevents spoilage. Store fruits and vegetables in the right conditions—some produce, like apples and citrus, should be kept in the fridge, while potatoes and onions last longer in a cool, dark place. Use airtight containers for grains, nuts, and leftovers to keep them fresh longer. Freeze perishable items such as bread and meats. If fruit starts to go bad, you can cut it up and freeze it for smoothies or other recipes.

Understand Expiration Dates

Many people throw away food based on expiration dates without realizing that most items are still safe to eat. “Sell by” and “best by” dates are not the same as expiration dates. Trust your senses—if food looks, smells, and tastes fine, it’s likely still good to use.

Use Leftovers Creatively

Leftovers don’t have to be boring! Turn extra roasted vegetables into a frittata, blend overripe fruit into smoothies, or use stale bread for homemade croutons. Get creative with leftovers to minimize waste while making delicious meals.

Compost Food Scraps

Even with careful planning, some food waste is inevitable. Instead of tossing food scraps in the trash, compost them.

Composting vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and other organic materials reduces landfill waste and creates nutrient-rich soil for gardening.

Repurpose and Preserve Food

If you have excess produce, consider preserving it through canning, freezing, or dehydrating. Making homemade jams, sauces, or pickles is a great way to extend the life of fresh ingredients. You can also repurpose food scraps. Citrus peels can be used to infuse vinegar for cleaning, and vegetable scraps can be simmered into homemade broth.