Americans discard over 52 million tons of food each year—that’s 400 pounds for each person. Though farms, restaurants, grocery stores, and institutional food services all have some food waste, households contribute the most, over 43% of all the food wasted is done at home.
We need to be more responsible with this precious commodity and use it responsibly.
Make a grocery list. You are more likely to buy what you need and make less spontaneous purchases.
Shop your fridge and pantry first before going shopping. What do you have on hand that could be the basis of a future meal. Already have 4 boxes of pasta on the shelf, no need to buy more even if they are on sale. Will you use them all up that quickly?
Every few months do a pantry or freezer inventory. Bring older items to the front so they get used.
Try not to overbuy. When you do, consider donating extras to a local food pantry.
Beware of club store portions. Though buying 6 jars of spaghetti sauce at one time or 10 pounds of rice may seem like a deal, do you really need all that and will it be eaten? Consider sharing with a neighbor or just pass on these large amounts.
BOGOs can be wasteful. Many supermarkets use the buy-one-get-one tactic to entice shoppers to their store. Will you really eat two boxes of strawberries or two bags of potatoes before they have spoiled? Consider what you really need.
Make the amount your family will eat to minimize leftovers that may be wasted. When you have leftovers consider how they could be repurposed into another meal.
Use food wisely, be a good example for your children. You will not only save money and generate less garbage, but you will be kind to the planet that feeds you.
For more information on planet-friendly eating take look at one of our recent books – The Healthy Wholefoods Counter.
