12 Easy Ways to Reduce Food Waste

Food is something that is becoming more expensive every day yet it continues to be wasted each and every day in large amounts. Every time food is thrown into the trash bin money is wasted along with discarding vast amounts of resources as well as the energy and water that it took to produce this food. 

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Yet there are millions of people in the world that continue to not have enough to eat. The money that you save from food wastage can be donated to food banks, shelters, and other food organizations around the world. 

Here are 12 ways to cut down on food waste:

1. Plan meals

Meal planning is one of the best ways to ensure that you only purchase the food that you need and use it up. Try to plan your meals over any foods that you may already have on hand. 

2. Shop wisely 

Make a list adding only what you need. Before you head to the store check to see what you already have in your fridge and cupboards. Also remember to avoid impulse buys, especially when standing around the check out counter.

3. Store food properly 

Keep opened packages of dry foods from going stale by resealing packages with a binder clip or store them in air tight containers. Follow the guidelines for storing fresh fruit and vegetables as some are best kept at room temperature and others refrigerated.

4. Separate the bad guys

If you see a fruit or vegetable that's ripening faster than the others remove him from the rest as it can effect the others.

5. Strategize with freshness

Eat foods according to how quickly they will spoil. Enjoy fresh berries, peaches, mangoes, and leafy green veggies first. If you do not plan to cook newly purchased meat or fish within two or three days then freeze it.

6. Reduce portion sizes

This goes for children as well as adults since obesity rates continue to climb among all age groups. Start off filling the plates with less food. If someone wants to have seconds then just add some more. 

7. Get creative with leftovers

Include yesterday’s leftovers in today's lunch. If there is not enough to go around slice up some raw vegetables to go with it, make a salad, or some pasta. 

8. Give overripe fruit a chance

Over ripened fruits are not spoiled and are still full of flavor. Freeze the fruit and use them in pies, muffins, juices, or smoothies. To make smoothies place fruit in a blender, add some milk, and a little honey if desired for a healthy, delicious, and filling drink.

9. Make vegetable soup stock

Use peels, ends, and over ripe whole vegetables chopped up such as carrots, celery, potatoes, green onions, onions, peppers, etc.

10. Take home leftovers when eating out

Restaurant portions are often much more than you would normally eat for a meal. Bring your own reusable container to save you the time of waiting for someone to pack it up for you.

11. Donate unused good food 

If you notice any foods you have on hand that is not being consumed let someone else use it before it becomes spoiled. Maybe you wanted to try out a new fruit or recipe with your family which resulted in nobody liking it. Take it to a food bank, shelter, or even a neighbor.

12. Compost it

Sometimes no matter how much you do there may always be some food scraps left. Set up a compost bin for a last resort as this is the most environmentally friendly way to dispose of it.

What steps do you take in your home to reduce food waste?