Food waste is a common problem in households around the world, but with a few changes to your habits, you can make a big difference. Wasting less food not only saves you money but also helps reduce environmental impact. From very clever shopping to creative cooking, here’s how to avoid food waste at home and make the most of what you buy.
Plan Your Meals
One of the best ways to prevent food waste is to plan your meals before heading to the store. A clear meal plan helps you buy only what you need, minimizing the chances of ingredients going unused.
Before heading to the shops, check your pantry, fridge, and freezer to see what you already have. Create a grocery list based on your planned meals, and stick to it when you’re in the store. Avoid impulse purchases that might end up forgotten in the back of your fridge.
Store Food Properly
Proper storage can significantly extend the life of your food and keep it fresh and more flavorful for longer.
Here’s what to do:
- Keep fruits and vegetables in the right conditions. For example, store apples and citrus in the fridge but keep bananas and tomatoes at room temperature.
- Use airtight containers for leftovers and pantry staples to protect them from air and moisture.
- Freeze perishable items like bread, meat, or even herbs to keep them from spoiling.
Understanding how to store food correctly can make a huge difference in reducing your household waste.
Practice FIFO
FIFO stands for “first in, first out,” a method that ensures older food is used before newer items. When you unpack groceries, place newer items behind older ones in the fridge or pantry. This makes it easier to see what needs to be eaten soon and prevents items from being forgotten and going bad.
Get Creative with Leftovers
Leftovers from previous meals are a great opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. Transform last night’s dinner into a completely new dish, like turning roasted vegetables into a hearty soup or yesterday’s rice into a flavorful fried rice. Use leftover meat or pasta in salads or wraps for quick lunches. Even small portions can be repurposed into snacks or side dishes. If you don’t feel like eating leftovers right away, freeze them for a future meal.
Use the Entire Ingredient
Many parts of fruits and vegetables that are often discarded can actually be used in future cooking. For example:
- Turn vegetable scraps into homemade stock.
- Save citrus peels for zesting or making infused water.
- Roast beet greens or carrot tops for a tasty side dish.
By using as much of each ingredient as possible, you’ll waste less and get more value from your groceries.
Keep an Eye on Expiry Dates
Expiry dates can be confusing and misunderstanding them often leads to unnecessary food waste. “Best before” dates usually indicate peak quality, not safety, meaning many items are still safe to eat after this date.
For perishable items, trust your senses—if it looks, smells, and tastes fine, it likely still is. Use apps or labels to keep track of expiry dates and prioritize using items that are nearing their end.
Compost Scraps
Even with the best efforts, some food waste is inevitable and completely unavoiable. Composting is an excellent way to ensure those scraps don’t go to waste. Set up a compost bin in your kitchen or backyard for items like fruit peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Composting turns food waste into nutrient-rich soil that can be used in gardening, closing the loop on your food’s life cycle.
Shop More Frequently in Smaller Quantities
If you find yourself throwing out spoiled food regularly, consider shopping more often but buying less each time. This allows you to use up what you have before restocking and reduces the likelihood of overbuying. Focus on buying fresh items like produce and dairy in smaller amounts, while keeping long-lasting staples on hand for flexibility.
Teach the Household
Reducing food waste is easier when everyone in your household is on board so teach family members to store food properly, plan meals together, and get involved in cooking. Encourage kids to value food by involving them in grocery shopping or meal prep. When everyone works together, it’s easier to build habits that reduce waste and make the most of your meals.