3 Ways to Reduce Food Waste
3 Ways to Reduce Food Waste
Get Smart About Food Waste
Of all the concerns that you have to worry about, how to reduce food waste is probably not one of them. But it should be. Why? Well, for one, food waste has economic, environmental, and social implications far beyond just you. It impacts food production and distribution on a global scale, our approach to hunger, and the conservation of resources. Food waste is defined in the U.S. as the loss of edible food that is available for consumption but is not consumed for any reason. The food waste figures in the U.S. are alarming. The USDA’s Economic Research Service reports that Americans discard 30-40% of the food they buy, which translates to about 133 billion pounds of food—and that’s only in the U.S. While food waste is enormous global problem, you don’t have to travel the world to combat it. You can (and should) address it on a much smaller scale. Here are three simple ways to reduce food waste at home:1. Shop with a Plan
We’ve all been there—strolling through a well-stocked grocery store, throwing things into our cart like giddy children. It’s satisfying, to be sure, but the truth is that most impulse buys end up in the garbage. To avoid food waste and save money, prepare a list that only details what you need. Overprepare, so you don’t overbuy. You may need to go to the grocery store multiple times a week, but diligent shopping in small quantities is a sure way to reduce food waste.2. Know How to Store Your Food
Every food item has a storage trick that will help it last longer. For instance, rinse berries in vinegar water before you put them into the fridge; this will keep mold at bay for up to two weeks. For this and other similar tips on food storage, click here!3. Organize Your Fridge
How often do you rearrange your products according to freshness? Have you ever labeled your leftovers? It may seem like the kind of thing a neurotic soccer mom would do, but the neurotic soccer moms may be on to something. Label leftovers according to the date they were made and keep the newest ones in the back of your fridge or freezer. In a way, this will force you to eat something before it expires. It also lets you know what you need to pick up at the grocery store. Knowing how to reduce food waste at home is a message that we encourage you to share. Educate others in your community and make an impact today! We hope you enjoyed our blog! We're always seeking to entertain, inform, and inspire. Click below to stay in touch!Grow with Us.