In many impoverished countries, wasting food isn’t a concept that even exists, mainly due to the constant struggle to feed everyone. On the flip side, Americans face a significant problem with food waste. Supermarkets and restaurants throw away large amounts of food, and the typical American family discards up to a quarter of their purchases, leading to an annual waste cost of over $2000. This wasteful habit not only burns a hole in your pocket but also squanders valuable resources.
Here are three easy strategies that individuals or families can use to reduce food waste. After all, who wouldn’t want an extra $2000 in savings by the end of the year?
1. Make the Most of Your Freezer: The freezer can be a lifesaver for managing food. A lot of food items can be stored this way. I often spend a day each month cooking in bulk and then freeze the meals. This approach saves money, reduces food waste, and avoids unplanned grocery trips. You can also freeze food that might spoil before you get to it. For example, I keep Ezekiel bread and other perishables in the freezer. I also prep large batches of minced garlic and diced onions and freeze them to prevent waste.
2. Rotate Your Recipes: It’s common to find veggies like cucumbers or tomatoes forgotten in the fridge, rotting away. To avoid this, I check my fridge twice a week and note items that need to be used soon. Often, you can cut off bad spots on fruits, vegetables, cheese, or bread. Here are some ways to use up food that’s past its prime:
– Overripe apples and pears can be turned into applesauce or pies.
– Nearly expired milk can be used in baking or making bread.
– Soft veggies like carrots, zucchini, and asparagus can be roasted or added to soups.
– Leftover vegetables and herbs can be used to make rich vegetable broth in a slow cooker.
3. Don’t Always Trust Expiration Dates: If your food looks, smells, and tastes fine, it’s usually okay to eat. We often throw out food just because the expiration date has passed, without even checking it. If your spinach still looks fresh and has no bad odor, it’s safe to consume it past the best-before date. My spouse also drinks milk after its date, as long as it passes the smell test.
By implementing these three strategies, you can significantly reduce food waste and save money.