12 Simple Ways to Reduce Food Waste

It happens to all of us. You’re cleaning out the fridge and discover a container whose contents have started to turn into an alien life form. Or maybe you totally over ordered while dining out but can’t stomach putting your leftovers into a Styrofoam container. Food waste can feel like a fact of life, but if we become more mindful of what’s on our plates and in our pantries, we can take control of our food waste and make a big difference!

We waste one third of the food produced worldwide each year. In a world struggling to feed a population of 7 billion, that is a big problem. Luckily, we have a lot of power as consumers to curb our food waste. Here are some easy ways that you can waste less to save money and help the planet.

1. Eat those leftovers! Whether you eat them as-is or turn them into something new, don’t toss those leftovers in the trash bin.

2. Compost. All of those food scraps from prepping you meals are too valuable to throw away. Compost them instead, even if you don’t have space for a compost heap. Apartment-dwellers can still get in on the composting action.

3. Grow your own. Part of the waste in our food supply occurs because of spoilage during shipping. When you grow food yourself, you cut back on food miles and on waste. You don’t need a huge garden to grow some of your own food! If you have a small yard or live in an apartment, try growing food in containers.

4. Eat less meat. Meat production wastes food. How? Rather than eating beans and grains directly, we feed them to livestock. It’s a much less efficient way to produce food. Try eating more meatless meals to waste less.

Next>> Reducing food waste and packaging

Image Credit: Food Waste photo via Thinkstock

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Kerry H.

6:34PM PST on Feb 14, 2012

I'll definitely bring a reusable container next time we go out to a restaurant to eat--and a green bag to put it in too, of course!

send a green star

Joan M.

7:03AM PST on Feb 3, 2012

Some good ideas, some I already doing others I will give a try

Stephanie S.

7:19PM PST on Jan 30, 2012

These are some really good tips.

Peter M.

7:23AM PST on Jan 29, 2012

thanks

Mac C.

12:17PM PST on Jan 27, 2012

good suggestions, I do most of these. thank you.

Robyn L.

2:27PM PST on Jan 24, 2012

One thing we forget is the grocery will be there the next day.
I see so many people buying a months worth of produce.
Also, be realistic about what you will use and don't over-buy.
You can run out for kale!

Roxana C.

8:18AM PST on Jan 23, 2012

Great tips, thanks.

june t.

3:55PM PST on Jan 21, 2012

good tips

Nina A.

2:10PM PST on Jan 20, 2012

All good suggestions.

Sylvia W.

12:26PM PST on Jan 20, 2012

I already do all but the CSA - for one person that is impractical, so I just grow what I can in my own garden and pick up other goodies from the local organic farm stands. I do make enough in one cooking to ensure 'leftovers' AKA extra lunches and/or dinners, but I promptly package them in serving size containers and either freeze or refrigerate depending on how soon I plan to eat these 'bonus' meals. I do this with chili, soup, stew, all sorts of meals. After a while I have enough varied meals to not have to cook fresh for days at a clip if I get busy or don't feel like cooking without getting bored. Who needs TV dinners!?