In the United States, about 40% of food is wasted from farm to landfill, yet 1 in 8 Americans is food insecure. While some waste occurs on the farm or behind the scenes in warehouses, much of it happens in our kitchens.
Growing, processing, packaging, transporting and refrigerating food takes enormous resources. Reducing food waste can have a big impact on your budget and the planet. Let’s take a look at how better planning can help you reduce food waste.
Plan before you shop
Before buying groceries, take stock of what’s in your fridge and cupboards. This is especially important for fresh foods. Plan meals with ingredients you already have and buy only what you need. If possible, shop in bulk to avoid container waste and buy only what you can use.
Keep in mind that certain produce will last longer than others: lettuce, berries, and herbs will only last a few days, while apples, onions, and potatoes will last for weeks or even months. Store ProperlyWhen purchasing perishable items, plan to use them quickly.
Organize your fridge
Have you ever had a moldy science experiment go to the back of your fridge? Is some tasty food rotting in hiding? If so, it’s time to find out how to organize your fridge.
Install a “eat now” shelf or put more fresh foods within sight. Focus your meal planning and snacking on “eat now” foods, and take a moment to rearrange your food so fresh foods are easily accessible on the “eat now” shelf.
increase Humidity Settings Keep the vegetable drawer cool, but do not keep the fruit drawers too cold. The refrigerator door is often warm, so use it to store non-perishable foods such as condiments. Store perishable foods such as meat and milk on the bottom shelves, which tend to be cooler.
Make the most of your freezer
Frozen foods sometimes get a bad rap, but your freezer can be a great tool for reducing food waste.
Fruits and vegetables are Store frozen to maintain freshnessFrozen foods have similar nutritional content to fresh foods, which reduces the need to stock fresh fruits and vegetables that may spoil. If you have foods that may spoil, like ripe bananas or a pot of soup, freeze them to keep them fresh for longer.
Support Farmers Markets
Farmer’s market produce tends to be very fresh and hasn’t traveled long distances before reaching your table. The fresher the produce is, the longer it will last. If you buy fruits or vegetables at the grocery store, check to see if they’re fresh first, especially if you don’t plan on using them right away.
Host a zero-waste dinner party
Preparing food for guests often results in food waste. Sometimes you prepare special recipes that require small amounts of ingredients that you are unlikely to use up, such as herbs or sauces. If food is left out for too long, it becomes difficult to eat as leftovers. Many cooks prepare too much food and then waste it if it is eaten later without storing it properly.
Whenever possible, get an accurate count of your guest count. Then, use Save The Food’s Guest Immediate Tool Calculate appropriate portions of food. Plan for leftovers and consider offering guests some to take home if there’s more than they can eat. Refrigerate perishable foods, especially meat and dairy products, within two hours.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published on November 6, 2020 and updated in September 2024.
