Top 10 Ways to Fight Food Waste: How Many of These Practices Do You Follow?

Have you ever opened your fridge only to find forgotten leftovers or produce that’s past its prime? You’re not alone. Food waste is a common issue many of us face, but the good news is that with a few simple habits, we can all make a difference. By reducing food waste, we not only save money but also protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Here are the top 10 ways to fight food waste that you can start practicing today!

1. Plan Your Meals and Make a List Before you head to the grocery store, plan your meals for the week. Write a shopping list that includes only the ingredients you need. This helps prevent impulse buys and ensures you don’t end up with items you won’t use, reducing waste right from the start.

2. Use “FIFO” – First In, First Out To keep track of what you already have, use the “First In, First Out” method. When putting away groceries, move older items to the front of your pantry or fridge and place new purchases in the back. This makes it more likely that you’ll use up items before they spoil.

3. Get Creative with Leftovers Transform leftovers into new dishes! Last night’s roasted vegetables can become today’s soup or sandwich filling. There are endless possibilities for giving leftovers new life, which not only fights food waste but also makes meal prep easier.

4. Store Food Properly Improper storage is a major contributor to food spoilage. Learn the best ways to store your produce, meats, and dry goods. For example, keep apples separate from other fruits, as they emit ethylene gas that can speed up ripening. Knowing the right storage techniques can extend the life of your groceries.

5. Understand Food Labels “Best by,” “sell by,” and “use by” dates can be confusing. It’s important to know that these dates are often about quality rather than safety. Use your senses—smell, look, and taste (when appropriate)—to determine if food is still good to eat rather than relying solely on labels.

6. Freeze What You Can’t Use in Time If you notice that certain foods are about to go bad, freeze them for later. Many items, such as bread, fruit, and even cooked meals, freeze well and can be stored for months. Freezing extends the shelf life of food, reducing waste.

7. Use Food Scraps Don’t throw away those vegetable peels or bones! Vegetable scraps can be used to make homemade broth, and citrus peels can be zested or added to vinegar for a natural cleaner. Get creative with scraps to minimize waste and make the most of your ingredients.

8. Donate What You Don’t Need If you have non-perishable items that you’re not going to use, consider donating them to a local food bank or community pantry. Donating is a great way to ensure that food goes to someone who needs it rather than ending up in the trash.

9. Compost Organic Waste For food scraps that can’t be used, composting is an excellent way to reduce waste. Composting converts organic waste into valuable fertilizer for your garden, reducing methane emissions from landfills and creating nutrient-rich soil.

10. Embrace “Ugly” Produce Misshapen or “ugly” fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious and tasty as their perfect-looking counterparts. By purchasing less-than-perfect produce, you’re helping to prevent it from being discarded simply due to cosmetic imperfections.

Reducing food waste is something we can all work on, one small step at a time. Which of these methods are you already using, and which ones are you inspired to try next? Let’s work together to make the most of our food and minimize waste—our wallets and the planet will thank us!