According to DoSomething.Org, every year Americans waste 21.5 million tons of food. Almost all this wasted food ends up in a landfill. Not only is this a waste of valuable resources, but it also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The good news is that there are simple steps that everyone can take to cut down on food waste. Here are five tips to get you started.
1. Store Food Properly
One of the main reasons why food gets wasted is because it goes bad before it can be eaten. This can often be prevented by simply storing food properly. For example, fruits and vegetables should be kept in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Herbs can be stored in a glass of water on the counter. And leftovers should be stored in airtight containers in the fridge.
2. Plan Your Meals
Another way to reduce food waste is to plan your meals in advance. This way, you can ensure that you only buy the ingredients you need and that you’ll actually use them before they go bad. Meal planning can also help you to save money on your grocery bill. Remember planning meals also includes cooking only what you will eat rather than cooking large portions only to have leftovers go to waste.
3. Don’t Be Afraid of Imperfections
Some people are hesitant to buy fruits and vegetables that are less than perfect because they think they won’t taste as good or they’ll go bad more quickly. However, this isn’t necessarily true. Imperfect Produce is often just as delicious as a perfect product, and it’s usually a lot cheaper. So, next time you’re at the grocery store, don’t be afraid to choose the imperfect fruits and vegetables.
4. Learn to Love Leftovers
Another useful waste solution is to learn to love leftovers. Just because you didn’t finish your meal doesn’t mean it has to go to waste. Leftovers can make a great lunch the next day or can be used to create a new dish altogether. If you’re not sure how to turn your leftovers into a new meal, there are plenty of recipes available online.
5. Don’t Be Afraid of Frozen Food
Frozen fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh ones and can last a lot longer. This is what makes them a perfect waste solution. If you have fresh produce you know you won’t be able to eat before it goes bad, just pop it in the freezer. That way, it will be there for you when you’re ready to use it, and it won’t go to waste.
These are just a few simple tips to help you reduce food waste. By following these tips, you can make a big difference in the amount of food waste produced each year. And, you’ll be doing your part to help protect the environment. Contact us today to learn more about our waste solutions.