Did you know that in the United States, the average amount of food wasted is around $1500 annually? Would you like that money back? I know I sure would, and to know that its as simple as actually eating the food that you buy before it goes bad is actually crazy! However I get it. We get tired, and order take-out while there is perfectly good food in the fridge, or don’t quite get around to eating the leftovers we brought home from last weekend when we ate at the restaurant and ordered too much. But did you know that even if we all just did 10-20% better than we do now, that would be millions of people doing that – and that adds up! You can choose to change your habits and make improvements with these quick tips on reducing food waste and saving landfill from single-use plastics.
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Here are some helpful tips to reduce food waste!
- Buy food in smaller quantities
- Do a pantry purge and fridge cleanout to use up what you have before shopping
- Use a shopping list
- Compost vegetable scraps
- Freeze items before they go bad. Store foods like ripe fruits in the freezer or dehydrate for a tasty snack that will last longer
What about when I’m dining out – How do I reduce waste?
It’s easy to say ‘Let someone else do it’, but reducing waste is in everyone’s best interest and the most important way to reduce the amount of food (and plastic) waste is to take responsibility for what we spend our money on. Make a conscious choice and support businesses that ‘do the right thing’ and avoid those that don’t.
Other actions you can take when dining-out are:
6. Opt for restaurants that pack their food in paper and cardboard packaging.
7. Refuse plastic cutlery, condiments, plastic cups, straws and lids.
8. Bring your to-go kit with silverware, a glass container, an insulated bottle, and condiments.
9. Dine in instead of carrying out. You can make zero extra waste by skipping the take-out meal.
10. Share a meal between you and your partner rather than ordering more food than you really need, especially if you know the portion sizes at the diner are more than you will get through in that sitting.
What about Meal Planning – Does it Really Work to Reduce Waste?
I have a love-hate relationship with meal-planning, and the answer for me is ‘yes’ it definitely works to save money and waste, but there is no ‘one way’ that works for everyone I think. I get sick of the same foods really quickly and so I found having a ‘meal guide’ more helpful in sticking to cooking at home than a strict ‘meal plan’. This means that I have a range of meals that fit in a category that I aim to work within on a particular night that is likely to go with the other ingredients that are left over in my pantry or I have on hand for the following night than having to go out and buy something specific because that was what my ‘plan’ called for. Create a rhythm that works for you and your family and then work towards having special foods each day of the week. For example try Meatless Mondays or Tuna Tuesdays.
11. Here is our Simplified Eating Schedule that we’d love you to try and helps us reduce food waste:
Mondays – Vegan Budha Bowls (with whatever Rice, beans and Veg are on hand)
Tuesdays – Tuna in any form (Taco, Mornay, Casserole – often using leftover veg from Mondays)
Wednesdays – Instant Pot or Slow Cooker meals
Thursday – Single Skillet meals
Friday – Soups and Salads (using leftovers from Wed & Thurs where possible)
Saturday – Mexican Night
Sunday – Take Away or Dine Out
12. Stock up on Food Prep and Storage – and actually use it
A little preparation goes a long way to help reduce food waste and garbage. Invest in well-made glass storage containers with locking lids, jars, and other reusable silicone freezer bags.
These are what I have on hand and make my life so much easier when it comes to freezing and storing food so that it doesn’t go moldy before I have a chance to use it:
3. Glass storage containers
4. Insulated beverage containers or hydro flasks
13. It’s all about mindset – Take on a “Zero-Waste” Mentality
One could argue that the zero waste movement represents an excessive and unsustainable way of living. That may be the case in some situations, but I’ve found that adopting a “zero-waste” perspective is incredibly inspiring.
Making no waste at all can be feasible, but not always. In all likelihood, most people are unable to commit to such extremes unless our society undergoes significant transformations. However, I think that every little effort counts.
If you aren’t perfect, don’t worry. Try your hardest and lead an inspiring life for others. Keep in mind that each time we swipe our card buying food or supporting businesses, we are casting a vote for the world we wish to live in.
