Tackling food waste - tips and tricks for every home

By Scout Nelson

Throwing away food is something many of us dread, especially when it could have been avoided. From a forgotten takeout container to misunderstanding food labels, the journey to reducing food waste is filled with challenges. Yet, with some knowledge and effort, it's possible to make significant strides in combating this issue.

In the U.S., a staggering 40% of food is wasted annually, translating to about 149 billion meals. This waste not only represents lost nutrients but also contributes to environmental issues. Surprisingly, a significant portion of food waste originates from households, highlighting the need for better food management at home.

Understanding "best if used by" dates can help prevent premature disposal of food. These dates indicate peak quality, not safety, meaning many items are still consumable beyond this period. For example, commercially canned vegetables can last up to five years, while canned fruits maintain quality for 18 months.

Reducing home-cooked food waste starts with meal planning and adapting recipes to match household sizes. Freezing unused ingredients extends their life and variety in your kitchen. Innovative uses for leftovers, such as transforming stale bread into delicious French Toast, can turn potential waste into delightful meals.

"According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, commercially canned vegetables, such as green beans and corn, are safe and high quality up to five years in your cupboard."

By embracing these strategies, from understanding food labels to reimagining leftovers, we can significantly reduce food waste and its impact on our planet. Sharing excess garden produce and considering composting are additional ways to contribute to a more sustainable and food-secure world.

Photo Credit -pexels-denise-nys