How To Have Less Food Waste
Food waste is a major problem, not just for the population as a whole, but also for the individuals who are constantly wasting money on food that goes uneaten. The EPA estimates that 68% of our food waste ends up in landfills – which equates to 48.2 million tons! If you are looking to make a conscious effort to begin using all the food that you are purchasing and limit the wasted materials on hand, then these tips are for you!
- Keep lists. Lists are great because you always know what you have on hand, ingredients, spices, and more! When you know what you have, you can then plan meals around exactly those ingredients before they go bad and get wasted!
- Meal prepping. This leads us to the next point which is meal prepping so that you have a laid out plan on what you will cook and eat each day. This limits wasted food and ingredients that may have otherwise went unused.
- Pre-look. Always look at what you have before you begin planning your meals or shopping list. Try to use up all the ingredients that will go bad soon before buying more.
- Freeze! Freezing food is a great way to avoid waste. Fruits, veggies, breads, meats, and so much more. Even meals you have already made can be frozen to be reheated at a later time!
- Prep when you get home. Prepping your fruits, veggies, and meats when you get home from the store and storing them in an easy to grab and use way will make it easier and more convenient for you to eat and use them during your busy life. This encourages grab and go eating and will limit wasted food as well.
Limiting your food waste is great on your wallet, your community, and the environment! Finding small ways to make an impact really can make a big difference!