We throw away a third of the food we produce. This must be one of the most irrational problems that exists today. Food waste is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Here are tips on how to reduce food waste!
PLAN BETTER – If you plan your meals ahead during the week you are less likely to waste food, particularly when planning your lunch meals and preparing ahead of time.
SHOP SMART – Though buying in bulk may be convenient, research has shown that this shopping method leads to more food waste. To avoid buying more food than you need, make frequent trips to the grocery store every few days rather than doing a bulk shopping trip once a week. Make a point to use up all the food you purchased during the last trip to the market before buying more groceries.
KEEP FOOD AT PEAK QUALITY – When cooking in bulk, don’t let food sit in large containers at room temperature to cool before putting them in the refrigerator. Immediately portion into smaller containers and refrigerate. If food is stored in large containers, it takes a while for the food to cool down. During that time, bacteria can grow and make food unsafe to eat.
FREEZE WHAT YOU CAN – Freeze your food to prolong its lifcycle, you can even freeze your leftovers for later use.
STORE FOOD CORRECTLY – Many people are unsure how to store fruits and vegetables, which can lead to premature ripening and, eventually, rotten produce. For instance, potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, cucumbers and onions should never be refrigerated. These items should be kept at room temperature.
KEEP YOUR FRIDGE TIDY – You’ve probably heard the saying, “out of sight, out of mind.” This rings especially true when it comes to food. While having a well-stocked fridge can be a good thing, an overly filled fridge can be bad when it comes to food waste. Help avoid food spoilage by keeping your fridge organized so you can clearly see foods and know when they were purchased.
PICK UGLY FRUIT AND VEGETABLES – Don’t judge food by its appearance! Oddly-shaped or bruised fruits and vegetables are often thrown away because they don’t meet arbitrary cosmetic standards. Don’t worry – they taste the same! Use mature fruit for smoothies, juices and desserts.
PUT YOUR FOOD WASTE TO USE – Instead of throwing away your food scraps, compost them. This way you are giving nutrients back to the soil and reducing your carbon footprint.
Reduce Food Waste and contribute in the fight against climate change.
