Many people think food waste is the safest thing to throw in the garbage. It all rots, right? Wrong. For food waste to compost properly, it needs light and air — of which there is very little in a landfill. So just like those plastic gee-gaws you can’t recycle, it’s going to sit there for a long, long time. Follow these four easy steps if you want to learn about ways to reduce your food waste.
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1. Shop Smart
One of the best ways to cut down on your food waste is to plan. Plan your meals ahead of time, then make a shopping list and buy only the food you need in the quantities you’ll actually eat. Buy things from the bulk bins when you can, so you only get what you need, and try shopping at farmers’ markets or produce markets, where you may be able to buy just one or two carrots instead of two pounds.
2. Store Properly
First, ensure your fridge is doing its job. Check if your fridge is in the safe zone by buying a refrigerator thermometer. Next, learn the best way to store different fresh foods and then practice what you’ve learned. Make sure you understand what all those freshness dates on your food really mean. Finally, dedicate a shelf for food that doesn’t last as long.
3. Use It All
Use leftover food in other dishes. Save really ripe or bruised fruit by freezing it for smoothies. Start a bag in your freezer for vegetable odds and ends to turn into soup or stock. Leftover meat is great in a salad for lunch. Get creative about using up every last bit.
4. Compost It
If you absolutely can’t eat it up (like banana peels), compost it. Composting is absolutely the most eco-friendly way to deal with plant-based food scraps. Plus, it’s amazing for your yard or garden. It’s the circle of life, baby.
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