Food waste is a significant problem that is affecting many households across the world. In fact, according to recent studies, around one-third of all food produced globally is lost or thrown away. 

This means that large amounts of the resources, water, and energy used to produce food are wasted as well. Thankfully, we as consumers can work together to do our part in minimizing the loss.

Below we are going to talk about just five tips that can help you reduce your food waste. Let’s get started!

Plan before you shop

One of the best ways to reduce food waste is to plan your meals before you head out for groceries. You don’t have to know every dish, but by making a list and having a good general idea, you’re less likely to purchase items that you don’t need or won’t use.

It also allows you to make smarter decisions when it comes to cooking. For example, you can use a variety of pork cutlet recipes if you’ve recently purchased a bulk amount. You still get to enjoy diverse meals, but you’re using up something you already have.

Store food properly

Proper food storage can go a long way in preventing food waste. Make sure to store fruits and vegetables separately as they can let off ethylene gas that can affect other produce.

Another good idea is to keep food that is nearing its expiration in a visible spot in the fridge to encourage you to use it up. Quality airtight containers are a must if you want to keep everything fresh for as long as possible.

Utilize your freezer

Your freezer is a powerful tool that you should take full advantage of. You can freeze leftovers, meats, and vegetables that are nearing their expiration date to extend their life. 

You can also make meals that can be used when you don’t have time or don’t feel like cooking! Just make sure that you label and date everything as it’s easy to forget what you’ve stored.

Use food scraps

Before throwing out any food scraps, you should think about how you can use them in other cooking. For instance, you can make vegetable or meat stocks using food waste that you typically wouldn’t consume.

You can also make bread pudding with stale bread or use overripe bananas to make a wide range of delicious desserts. You just need to get creative!

Learn portion control

Finally, portion control can help you limit what you throw away. On top of this, only shopping for what you really need can help you save money on your grocery shop.

Only cook or order what you can eat (this can take a bit of time to master). When eating out, consider bringing the leftovers home to enjoy another day.

Final words

And that’s it! As you can see, these tips will not only help reduce waste but will also save you money and protect the environment. Remember that every small change counts and helps make our world a better place.