In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to overlook the small things that can make a big difference. One such thing is food waste. Did you know that a significant amount of the food produced worldwide ends up in the bin? Not only is this a waste of resources, but it also impacts our wallets and the environment. But fear not! With a few simple tips and tricks, you can reduce food waste at home, both saving money and doing your part for the planet.
Remember, every little bit counts — whether it's freezing leftovers for tomorrow's lunch or regrowing vegetables from scraps. Together, we can work towards a more sustainable and waste-free future. So, let's roll up our sleeves, get creative in the kitchen, and say goodbye to food waste once and for all!
In this guide to reducing food waste, we’ll cover:
What is food waste?
Food waste refers to any food that is discarded or lost uneaten. This can happen at various stages of the food supply chain, from production and processing to distribution and consumption. In the United States alone, it's estimated that 33% of all food produced globally is lost or wasted every year according to figures from Stop Food Waste Day. That's a staggering amount of food going to waste!
Food waste is also a problem at home. In fact, households are a significant contributor to the overall food waste issue, as many people tend to buy more food than they need, whether it's due to bulk deals at the grocery store or simply overestimating how much they'll consume. This leads to excess food sitting in the fridge or pantry, eventually going bad before it can be used.
Sometimes we cook or serve ourselves more food than we can eat, leading to leftovers that end up languishing in the fridge until they're forgotten or no longer appetizing — so we throw these away too. What’s more, improper storage of food can contribute to waste. For example, fruits and vegetables stored in the wrong conditions may spoil faster, while foods stored at the back of the fridge may get overlooked and forgotten about.
Often, it’s a lack of strategy that contributes to wasted food. Without a plan for what to cook and eat throughout the week, it's easy to forget about ingredients hiding in the back of the fridge. Meal planning can help reduce impulse purchases and ensure that everything gets eaten before it goes bad, but it can be difficult to know where to start.
Other factors like expiry dates can be confusing, leading many people to throw out perfectly good food because they think it's no longer safe to eat. In reality, many foods are still safe to consume close to or after their expiry date, as long as they're stored properly and show no signs of spoilage.
Overall, food waste at home is a multifaceted issue that can stem from a variety of factors, from shopping habits to storage practices to cooking behaviors. However, by being more mindful of our consumption habits and taking proactive steps to reduce waste, we can make a significant difference in reducing food waste at home.
Why is food waste a problem?
Food waste can be a problem in a few different ways. Economically, it can be a waste of money and resources. Think about all the groceries you buy but never get around to eating. And when you multiply that by millions of households, the cost adds up.
Environmentally, food waste is believed to contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. According to the EPA, when food ends up in landfills, it decomposes and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Additionally, the resources used to produce that food, such as water, energy, and land, are wasted along with it.
This is not only an economic and environmental problem, but a moral issue when so many people around the world go hungry. Feeding America estimates that 80 million tons of food go to waste each year in the US alone, which equates to 149 billion meals' worth of food going to landfills.
But, little changes every day can all add up to make a big difference. By making more conscious choices, you’re doing your bit to help the planet — and your wallet, too!
How to reduce food waste
Now that we understand the problem, let's explore some practical food waste solutions to reduce food waste at home while saving money on our grocery bills in the process.
Chill or freeze leftovers
When storing food, the best way to prevent food waste is by chilling or freezing your leftovers. Invest in high-quality refrigerator- and freezer-safe containers to store your leftovers safely for later consumption, avoiding plastic where possible. Our ceramic bowls, for example, are both freezer- and microwave-safe, so you can store and reheat your leftovers in the same dish. Whether it's soups, stews, or casseroles, freezing leftovers can extend their shelf life and give you a quick and easy meal option on busy days.
Store your food properly
Proper storage is key to extending the shelf life of perishables like fruits and vegetables. Keep root vegetables such as potatoes and onions in a cool, dark place to prevent them from sprouting or going soft prematurely, and place them in a serving bowl or pot to prevent them from rolling away and getting lost in your cupboards. Be mindful of ethylene-producing fruits like bananas, which can cause other fruits to ripen and spoil faster. These should be stored away from the rest of the fruits in your fruit bowl on a separate dish.
Reuse leftovers
Get creative with leftovers by incorporating them into new dishes. For example, leftover roasted vegetables can be tossed into a cast iron casserole dish and turned into a hearty vegetable soup, and yesterday's cooked chicken can be shredded and used in tacos or sandwiches. The possibilities are endless! Check out Denby's recipe section for inspiration on how to breathe new life into your leftovers, including one-pot recipes and batch cooking. Here’s a few of our favorites:
- Oven-to-table roasted veg with feta
- Spicy chicken curry
- Vegan bean stew
- Friday night chili
- Conscious Christmas recipes
Bulk-buy store cupboard essentials
Save money and reduce packaging waste by buying store cupboard essentials in bulk. Items like rice, pasta, beans, and canned goods have a long shelf life and can be stored for months without spoiling. Plus, buying in bulk often works out cheaper per unit, saving you money in the long run. You can also take your own reusable containers and jugs to weigh shops to eliminate packaging waste in your kitchen completely.
Grow your own
When you grow your own produce, you have control over when and how much you harvest. This means you can pick fruits and vegetables as you need them, ensuring that you only harvest what you can eat, which reduces the likelihood of excess produce going to waste. Tomatoes, potatoes, beets, and carrots are all easy to grow, but if you’re a beginner, a small herb garden can be great practice. Herbs can be grown in plant pots, mugs, or even teapots, so you don’t have to have a garden or yard.
Did you know that you can regrow certain vegetables from scraps? Things like green onions, lettuce, and celery can be regrown from their cuttings with just a little water and sunlight. Not only is this a helpful way to cut back on food expenses and save money on groceries, but it also reduces food waste by giving new life to vegetable scraps that would otherwise end up in the compost bin.
Remember what you throw away
Take note of which foods tend to end up in the trash regularly and adjust your shopping habits accordingly. If you find that you're consistently throwing away half-used jars of condiments or wilting bags of salad greens, try buying smaller quantities or opting for fresh alternatives. For example, buying a whole head of lettuce can be more economical than pre-washed and chopped lettuce leaves. Being mindful of what you're throwing away can help you make smarter choices at the grocery store and reduce food waste over time.
Reducing food waste doesn't have to be a daunting task. By making small changes to our shopping, cooking, and storing habits, we can all play a part in minimizing food waste at home. Not only will this save us money in the long run, but it will also help protect the planet for future generations. So, let's embrace the challenge and make a difference — one meal at a time!
Here at Denby US, we have plenty of tips and advice for getting the most out of your meals — including dinner party theme ideas for when you’re hosting your next get-together. Take a look or browse all our tableware and dinner sets today.