I was driving to work last week, listening to the news. A recent study reported that the average Canadian household waste $ 1100/ year (30 percent) of their food. Research suggests Canada is one of the worst countries when it comes to food waste. Climate is a big topic these days, as it should be. Food waste is a real problem and we can all do better. Check out our 5 tips on how to reduce food waste!
Make a list:
Take 10 minutes a week and take a quick glance of your fridge and pantry. I know first hand when life gets busy stuff gets missed. For instance, running to the grocery store without a list. This gets me every time because when I get home I find plenty of fresh produce in the fridge waiting to be eaten. I try to take a couple of minutes the night before I go grocery shopping to make a list. Not only does this help reduce food waste, it also saves money and time (a win win for all of us).
Meal planning:
Meal planning really is a lifesaver once you get the hang of it. There are so many benefits to meal planning including reducing your food waste. Some people plan meals out meal by meal and other’s like myself have a rough idea of what they will be making. Regardless, planning your meals helps save money, time and the environment.
Embrace ugly looking produce:
How many times do you throw out those ugly looking bananas, softened tomatoes, peppers, and or herbs? I know I am guilty of all of the above. It’s ok if those herbs are not super green. Remember they taste the same as the shiny looking fruits and vegetables. All of these items can also be frozen for later use. The girls and I love making banana bread together, brown overripe bananas make the perfect banana bread. I also pre slice the bread and place it in the freezer for school lunches. Instead of throwing out those ugly vegetables why not make a roasted veggie soup.
Embrace leftovers:
Plan for a weekly “leftover” dinner night. Not only will you waste less food but you will save time and spend more time together as a family. Another win win.
Eat perishable foods first:
How many times do you open a container of greens to find them wilted? Use your fragile vegetables such as leafy green vegetables first and save those heartier vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower for the later part of the week.
Food waste is a real problem. There are numerous ways to reduce food waste. What are some tips that you use to reduce your food waste? Please share. Let’s work together to reduce food waste.
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