In today’s world, where food waste has become a major concern, it is imperative to know how to reduce food wastage in our homes. With the increasing environmental concerns, reducing food waste has become essential.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), about one-third of the world’s food is lost or wasted every year. In this article, we will discuss some practical tips that you can use to create less food waste in your home.
Contents
Make a meal plan
One of the best ways to reduce food waste is by making a meal plan. Plan your meals for the week, taking into account your family’s preferences and the ingredients you already have at home. By doing so, you will minimize the chances of overbuying food items you already have or won’t use, and it will prevent the urge of unnecessary food purchases. When you plan ahead, you can shop smarter, buy just the right amount of food required and save money.
Store food correctly
Proper storage of food can help to reduce food waste. Store your fruits and vegetables in the right place, to prevent them from getting spoiled. Some fruits produce a gas called ethylene that speeds up the ripening process of other fruits surrounding them. For instance, bananas can ripen quicker than you think and can make your other fruits go bad more quickly – Store bananas separately. Check the expiration dates of foods, and try to use them up before they expire. The proper storage of food can keep it fresh for more extended periods, saving you from throwing away spoiled food.
Use leftovers creatively
Another way of reducing food waste is by using leftovers creatively. You can make some exciting and delicious meals using leftovers. A good idea is to turn the extra slices of fruits and veggies into a smoothie or use up extra chicken bones to make broth. One can also reheat or re-purpose leftover meals into new dishes such as pasta sauce. When you are actively using up leftovers and not throwing them away, it will help prevent wastage of food.
Compost
Composting is an excellent way of reducing food waste while benefiting the environment. It involves breaking down organic waste, including food scraps, into nutrient-rich fertilizer to nourish the soil. Composting not only reduces food waste, but it also saves money on fertilizers and creates organic soil that is healthy for plants. You can purchase composting bins online or in hardware stores.
Donate excess food
If you have excess food items, consider donating to a local food bank or charity. It’s a great way of reducing food wastage and giving back to the community. Many non-profit organizations accept donations of non-perishable food items. Make sure the food is clean, fresh and in good condition.
Conclusion
Reducing food waste can be achieved by implementing these practical tips. Starting with proper planning to help keep the amount of food waste down, to purchasing food in appropriate quantities to extending the shelf life of food. You can also incorporate creative uses of leftovers to curbing food waste. Additionally, composting is an ideal way to nourish the soil, reduce waste, and save money. Lastly, donating excess food items can help reduce food waste and give to those in need. By making small changes and taking proactive steps in our homes, we can contribute to a sustainable environment, reduce environmental impact, and protect the earth.