Want to reduce your food waste at home? Here are the 6 best evidence-based ways to do it
Plan Your Meals: One of the most effective ways to reduce food waste is by planning your meals in advance. Before you go grocery shopping, take inventory of what you already have in your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. Then, create a weekly meal plan based on the ingredients you already have and what you need to use up. Be realistic about how much food your household will consume, and only buy what you know you will use. Planning your meals helps prevent overbuying and ensures that you use up perishable items before they spoil.
Proper Storage: Proper storage of food can significantly extend its shelf life and reduce the likelihood of spoilage. Invest in airtight containers, resealable bags, and other storage solutions to keep your food fresh for longer. Store perishable items like fruits and vegetables in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, and keep leftovers in clear containers so you can easily see what needs to be eaten. Additionally, make sure your refrigerator is set to the appropriate temperature (usually between 35-38°F or 1.7-3.3°C) to slow down the growth of bacteria and mold.
Understand Expiration Dates: Expiration dates can be confusing, and many people mistakenly throw out food that is still perfectly safe to eat. Familiarize yourself with the different types of expiration dates, including “sell by,” “use by,” and “best by,” and understand what each one means. In many cases, food is still safe to consume after the expiration date has passed, especially if it has been stored properly. Use your senses to determine if food is still good – if it looks, smells, and tastes fine, it’s likely safe to eat.
Get Creative with Leftovers: Instead of letting leftovers languish in the back of your refrigerator until they spoil, get creative and find new ways to use them up. Transform last night’s roast chicken into a hearty soup or stir-fry, or repurpose leftover vegetables into a delicious frittata or omelet. You can also freeze leftovers for later use or incorporate them into meal prep for the week ahead. By finding inventive ways to use up leftovers, you can minimize waste while saving time and money.
Compost Food Scraps: Despite your best efforts, you may still end up with food scraps that aren’t suitable for consumption. Rather than throwing them in the trash where they will end up in a landfill, consider composting them instead. Composting is a natural process that turns organic waste into nutrient-rich soil conditioner, which can be used to enrich your garden or houseplants. Many municipalities offer curbside composting programs, or you can compost food scraps at home using a compost bin or pile. Not only does composting reduce food waste, but it also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserves resources.
Donate Surplus Food: If you find yourself with more food than you can consume, consider donating surplus items to those in need. Many food banks, shelters, and community organizations accept donations of non-perishable food items, as well as fresh produce and prepared meals. By donating food that would otherwise go to waste, you can help feed hungry individuals and families in your community while reducing food waste at the same time. Just be sure to check with the organization beforehand to see what types of donations they accept and any guidelines they may have.
In conclusion, reducing food waste at home is not only feasible but also beneficial for both your household budget and the environment. By implementing evidence-based strategies such as meal planning, proper storage, understanding expiration dates, getting creative with leftovers, composting food scraps, and donating surplus food, you can significantly decrease the amount of food that ends up in the trash. With a little effort and mindfulness, you can make a positive impact on food waste in your own home and beyond.
