Food waste is a significant problem, with around one-third of all food produced worldwide being wasted or lost. Not only is this a waste of resources and money, but it also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. As home cooks, we can all do our part to reduce food waste and make our kitchens more sustainable. Here are a few tips for reducing food waste while cooking at home...
Plan Your Meals
One of the most effective ways to reduce food waste is to plan your meals ahead of time. Take note of what you already have in your cupboards, fridge, and freezer and plan meals around those ingredients. Make a shopping list and stick to it, so you don't end up buying more than you need.
Use Leftovers
Leftovers are an excellent way to reduce food waste, but they can also be a challenge if you're not sure what to do with them. Look for recipes that use up leftover ingredients, like soups, stews, or fried rice. You can also get creative and use leftovers in new ways, like turning leftover roasted vegetables into a sandwich or topping a salad with leftover chicken.
Store Food Properly
Storing food properly can help extend its shelf life and reduce the risk of spoilage. Keep your fridge and cupboards organised so that you can see what you have and use up ingredients before they go bad. Store food in airtight containers, and use freezer bags or containers to freeze leftover ingredients or meals. Store your fresh produce in our organic grocery bags - designed to keep your fruit and veg in tip-top condition.
Embrace Wonky Veg
Growing our own fruit and veggies helped us realise how difficult it is to grow 'perfect' food like the crates of identical produce seen in the supermarket. If you can grow your own, we strongly suggest it! Otherwise, embrace imperfect produce through your local supermarket or farm shop, it often gets wasted because it doesn't look pretty, but it's still just as nutritious, delicious, and is often much cheaper!
Compost
Composting is an excellent way to reduce food waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. You can compost fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, coffee grounds, and more. If you don't have an outdoor space, consider getting a green bin or setting up a worm composting bin indoors.
Get Creative with Scraps
Many food scraps are still edible and can be used in creative ways. For example, you can use carrot tops to make pesto, or broccoli stalks to make soup. You can also use vegetable scraps to make a homemade stock or broth, which can be used in a variety of recipes.
By following these tips, you can reduce food waste and make your home cooking more sustainable. Remember that small changes can make a big difference, and every meal you cook is an opportunity to make a positive impact on the planet.