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Food waste is a major problem around the world, and it has significant economic, environmental, and social consequences. According to the United Nations, approximately one-third of the food produced globally is lost or wasted every year, which amounts to about 1.3 billion tonnes of food.

 

This waste not only increases the cost of food production, but it also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbates food insecurity. Fortunately, there are many steps that we as individuals and businesses can take to reduce food waste and mitigate its impact on society and the planet. 

 

Here are 10 things you can try at home.

10 ways to reduce food waste

 

  1. Plan your meals: Take some time to plan your meals for the week, based on what you already have in your fridge and pantry. This will help you avoid buying unnecessary ingredients that could go to waste.
  2. Make a grocery list: Before going to the grocery store, make a list of the items you need. Stick to your list to avoid buying things you don't need and won't use.
  3. Buy only what you need: When shopping, buy only the amount of food you need for the week. Avoid buying in bulk if you know you won't use all of it.
  4. Store food properly: Make sure you are storing food properly to extend its shelf life. For example, store fruits and vegetables separately and keep them in the fridge to prevent spoilage.
  5. Use leftovers: Instead of throwing away leftovers, use them to create new meals. You can turn leftover rice into fried rice or use leftover chicken to make a sandwich.
  6. Freeze food: If you have excess food that you can't use immediately, freeze it for later. This is especially useful for things like bread, meat, and vegetables.
  7. Donate food: If you have excess food that you can't use or freeze, consider donating it to a local food bank or shelter.
  8. Compost: Use a compost bin to turn food scraps into nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
  9. Understand expiration dates: Understand the difference between "sell by" and "use by" dates. "Sell by" dates indicate when the store should sell the product, while "use by" dates indicate when the food is still safe to eat.
  10. Be creative: Use your creativity to come up with new meals using the ingredients you have on hand. You might be surprised at the delicious meals you can create with a little ingenuity.

More information

 

    1. Love Food Hate Waste
    2. Try the Olio App
    3. Too Good to Go App

Sasha Watkins

Registered dietitian and co-founder of Field Doctor

BSc (Nutrition & Dietetics), MSc (Allergy)

IG: @sashadietitian