Did you know food waste is a major contributor to climate change? An average American consumer wastes about one pound of food per day according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. A family of four loses about $1,500 a year on wasted food. The EPA states that food is the largest component of our daily trash going to landfills. The wasted food then sits and releases potent methane gas contributing to climate change. Want to do something to help our planet and save money? Here are 7 tips to help reduce your food waste.
1. Meal Plan
Take some time once or twice a week to plan out what you are going to have for meals. This way you buy exactly what you need. If this seems like an overwhelming task, start by just planning 3 dinners per week. Continue to add a meal as you feel more comfortable and it becomes more routine.
2. Serve Small Portion Sizes to Children
Remember that children’s stomachs are only the size of their fist so consider this when serving them a meal. If you are exposing your children to a new food, start with just one bite on the plate. They can always go back for seconds. It can be less overwhelming for them, and a lot less food is wasted.
3. Store Leftovers in Clear Glass Containers or Mason Jars
Having my leftovers in clear containers makes is easy to see what I have and take inventory. I try to keep all my leftovers on one shelf so I know exactly what I have.
4. Weekly Clean Out and Reorganization of the Fridge
This is a great way to keep the fridge clean and organized. It is less likely for food to get lost and forgotten, only later to be found rotting in the far back corner of the fridge. Take inventory of what you have before you go shopping.
5. Weekly Family Food Challenge
Create one meal each week with leftovers or food that needs to be used up before it goes bad. Otherwise known in our house as,“Mish Mosh.” Veggies can easily be made into a soup, added to a smoothie, stir fried, or roasted in the oven. I find anything is good with a fried egg on top or my favorite Vegan Kale, Cashew Pesto from Trader Joe’s. If your children are old enough to help with the cooking, get them involved. Be creative and have fun! You may discover a new favorite family dish.
6. Freeze Leftovers
If you know you aren’t going to have time to eat the leftovers or you made way too much soup and your family is sick of eating it for the 3rd night in a row, freeze it. It will be perfect and much more appreciated a month later after a busy day. Using frozen leftovers can make meal prep so much easier!
7. Educate your Children Talk to your children about why it is important to reduce your family’s food waste. Make it a family challenge. From experience, I find my children love rising to a challenge.
Food waste is inevitable. Consider composting to keep rotting food out of the landfill. If you don’t have the space or the desire to compost, check out Mr. Fox, a local seacoast company that will pick up your food waste and turn it into rich compost for you.
What else can you do to reduce food waste? Please share these 7 tips with others!
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