Ways to Reduce Food Waste

Food waste is a massive problem! In honor of Earth Day, we have come up with a bunch of ways that you can reduce food waste at home!

• FIFO Method

FIFO stands for "First In First Out". It is so important to keep older food items more towards the front of your fridges and pantries. For example, if you buy a new package of berries, put it behind your quarter filled package so that you use the older ones first. 

• Store leftovers in clear glass containers. 

Storing leftovers and other foods in clear containers that you can see through, (instead of opaque or colored containers) allows you to see what is in the container. If you can see what the food is, you are more likely to eat it; rather than not knowing what is and being afraid to see what is inside, (we’ve all been there)!

• Eat the skin!

So often, people peel fruits and veggies but, so many nutrients can be found in the skin! Of course there are times where the outer layer of a piece of produce can be dangerous, (like pineapple) but for the most part the skin can be very beneficial. For example, apple skins contain a large amount of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This can also be said for potatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and eggplants!

• Make homemade stock.

Peels, tops, stalks, and other leftover pieces of vegetables can be made into a delicious stock that will put store bought ones to shame! Sautee them with some olive oil and add water...it’s that easy!

• Become besties with your freezer!

Have herbs or berries that are wilting? Greens that are too soft for your liking to eat straight up in a salad? Freeze them for smoothies! Add the herbs with olive oil into an ice cube tray for easy use in a later recipe!

• Understand Expiration Dates

Did you know that terms like, “Use By”, “Sell By”, and “Best Buy” are actually not regulated by the government?! The food producers have the job of determining when a product will likely expire by. Because of this, most food is still okay to use after the date printed on the label. In order to reduce food waste, it is important to use your best judgement when deciding on whether or not something should go in the trash. 

• If you can, compost!

Even if you don’t have a large outdoor garden or compost system, there are other ways to compost on your counter for your house plants! How awesome is it that we can use our food scraps to nourish other plants?!

• Try Food Preservation Methods!

Apples that are iffy? Make applesauce! Got too many cucumbers or onions? Pickle them!

We hope that this helps!