The amount of food that we waste every year in the United States is a serious problem. Reducing Food Waste in Your Household and Living Sustainably. It costs $160 billion and has a huge impact on the environment. There are many things that we can do to reducing food waste in our households and live sustainably.
Make a grocery list
The simplest way to reducing food waste is to prepare a shopping list ahead of time and only buy the items on it. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and straying from your list, which can contribute to food waste.
Plan your meals
Planning your meals can also save you money and reducing food waste, as well as reduce stress about what to cook for dinner. Try planning a week of meals to see what works for you and your family, and don’t forget about leftovers!
Buy only what you need
One of the biggest causes of food waste is overbuying. It’s easy to get sucked into the excitement of a new flavor or recipe and end up buying more than you need. To prevent this, keep a running list of meals you like and what ingredients are needed to make those recipes.
Use what you have
Taking smaller portions at home can help you save on food and save money, and it may even improve your health in the long run. This can be especially helpful if you have kids who tend to overeat.
Make a compost heap
Composting your food scraps is another simple way to reducing food waste, and it’s a great way to give nutrients back to the soil. Many cities have composting programs that accept households reducing food waste.
Donate extras to charities and shelters
The sad truth is that there are many people who go to bed every night without enough food to eat. It’s a sad reality, but it’s an important one to remember. If you have some leftovers or extras from a recipe, consider donating it to a local food pantry, shelter, church program, or school.
Check food labels and avoid foods with unhealthy ingredients (such as trans fats or added preservatives). This will help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint, too!
Make sure that you have proper storage space for your food. This can be difficult for some families, but it’s worth the effort to have a fridge and cupboards that are organized and accessible.
Store leftovers in airtight containers to prolong their shelf life, or freeze them for later consumption. This will save you money and reduce your environmental impact by reducing the need to transport food.
Take a look at your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry before heading to the store. This will ensure that you don’t accidentally buy unnecessary items, and it will make it easier to plan meals around what you have.
Keep a running list of what’s in your pantry and fridge to avoid overbuying, and keep an eye on expiration dates to avoid buying food that is no longer safe to eat.
