A few weeks ago on the blog, we spoke about shopping sustainably, but that’s only half the battle when it comes to reducing food waste.
Reducing food waste is not only beneficial for the environment but also for our wallets. It’s estimated that nearly one-third of all food produced globally is wasted each year. By taking simple steps to waste less food, we can make a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources, and addressing food insecurity. Here are some practical tips to help you waste less food:
- Plan meals and create shopping lists: Before heading to the grocery store, plan your meals for the week and make a shopping list based on the ingredients you need. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and ensure that you only buy what you will use.
- Buy only what you need: Avoid overstocking perishable items that have a short shelf life. Consider buying in smaller quantities more frequently to minimise food spoilage.
- Proper storage: Store food properly to extend its freshness. Learn about the best storage conditions for different types of food, such as keeping fruits and vegetables separate, storing leftovers in airtight containers, and using the first-in-first-out method for organising your fridge and pantry.
- Freeze and preserve: If you have excess food that you won’t be able to consume before it spoils, freeze it for later use. This applies to fruits, vegetables, bread, and many other items. You can also preserve foods by canning, pickling, or making jams and sauces.
- Utilise leftovers: Be creative with leftovers to avoid throwing them away. Transform them into new dishes, use them for packed lunches, or freeze them for future meals. You can also try meal prepping to ensure that all leftovers are used efficiently.
- If food is no longer suitable for human consumption, composting is a great way to turn it into nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
- Be mindful of expiration dates: Understand the difference between “sell by,” “use by,” and “best by” dates. Don’t automatically discard food once it reaches the expiration date. Use your senses to determine if it’s still safe to eat.
- Portion control: Serve appropriate portions to avoid leftover food on plates. You can always go back for seconds if needed.
By implementing these strategies, you can waste less food and contribute to a more sustainable and food-secure future. Every small step counts in our collective efforts to combat food waste and its negative impacts on the environment and society.