When you throw out food you throw out money, I've always said. However, I'm actually quite terrible about not throwing out food, usually food that gets spoiled in my fridge, either before I can use it, or leftovers that we never get around to eating. This post from a reader gives some good ideas as to how to prevent food waste; I should listen to these tips and practice what I preach.
Reducing food waste will not only save you money but also the time you spend shopping for unnecessary items. You can also save water and reduce the greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change. To reduce food waste efficiently consider talking to your local rubbish removal professionals for expert advice you can follow.
According to the Australian government, Australians waste is about one-third of food produced every day at the farm, during transportation, at their homes, and in the hospitality industry.
You can reduce food waste by forming new habits. They include:
1. Planning your meals
By planning your meals, you can get the correct amount of items/ spices and other stuff you need. This will help you avoid the habit of buying extra items that you might never use. This way a lot of space will be saved for storage.
2. Cleaning up your fridge before you head out to shop
Cleaning up your fridge can help you to store fresh food without the worry of what might go stale. This might sound hard, but it’s not. If you give it a try, you will be surprised how nice it feels when you finish up everything and clean your fridge. Everything feels fresh, and delicious once you stock up the fridge again.
3. Be creative and open
Open up in trying to making last night’s meal leftover into a delicious meal again, you can recook it using a different recipe from another Country/tradition. Try to test other spices and cooking formulas. You will be amazed at how some of these recipes will turn to be your favorite way of cooking for your guest or family, once in a while. Also, they can become your secret cooking weapons for preparing a delicious meal that everybody enjoys
4. Be smart
Make a to-buy list when you’re shopping. Avoid guessing the things that you need. We tend to do impulse buying due to a lack of planning and writing down what we need. Thus, we end up finding ourselves shopping blindly for the things that we do not need at that time.
5. Check the dates
Never forget to check the date of expiry of any commodity that you’re consuming. It is important to understand the “best before” and “use by” dates.
This will guide you on whether to purchase or wait until you want to use it to buy it, due to its shelf life and the kind of service it will give you.
6. Be a giver
Many are the times we go shopping and find some amazing offers that are irresistible, yet, we really don’t need that extra pack.
- We can be generous and gift the food to either a friend or family member who needs it.
- You can invite your neighbor for dinner and get to catch up with each other.
- You can donate it local charity program if there is any in your area.
- Prepare an extra meal and carry it work and enjoy lunch with your coworkers.
- Give it out to the less fortunate or someone who can’t afford to buy such kind of food, and you will be amazed at how grateful these people will be for supporting them.
Serve yourself a small amount of food so that you can clear up your plate, however, you still need to consider the portions you take to balance your health.
Overeating and under eating is a major nutrition problem today have a healthy meal that suits your needs.
If you have visitors, allow them to serve their own food to avoid wastage.
Note: If you visit someone, serve only what you can manage to finish on your plate.
8. Use your freezer
Freezing food is one way of saving leftover and fresh food for later use. Use the rules of storing food in the freezer correctly so that the food does not spoil. Have a habit of clearing your freezer once in a while to ensure clear up all the food stored.
Have a nice way of storing your food in the freezer while you avoid keeping warm food. Allow the food to cool first before storage, use the user-friendly freezer containers and bags to store your food.
9. Have a small garden
Growing your own vegetables will not only save money but also ensure you have fresh food to eat. You can also save water by using wastewater to irrigate your veggies.
10. Avoid over peeling, and over-cutting vegetables and fruits
Many people often peel fruits, and vegetables. This is not a good habit for the skin has a lot of nutrients that are healthy for your body. While over-cutting vegetable reduces their nutritional value that is very essential for intake. However, this should not be the case. Avoid this habit and save these nutrients.
The bottom line
Always keep in mind the 3 most important guides to follow this will help you not only to reduce food waste but in all aspects of life. REUSE, RECYCLE and REPLACE.
By reducing waste you will prevent environmental degradation and also give Mother Nature the humble chance of reclaiming its natural existence. Environmental conservation helps in reducing global warming and greenhouse gases.
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