TIPS TO REDUCE FOOD WASTE
It’s essential that food loss and waste are reduced in a world where millions of people go hungry every day. It’s up to us to change our habits and minimise food waste! If we reduce or eliminate our consumption of meat, we can feed lots more people. However, fighting food waste is also very important, so below we’ve set out a few tips.
- Switch to a healthier and more sustainable diet.
By eliminating meat from our diets, we can feed lots more people!
- Only buy what you need.
Plan your meals; make a shopping list! This reduces food waste and saves money!
- Buy fruit and vegetables that look imperfect.
Don’t worry, they taste the same! You can always use them in smoothies or juices. In addition, these ‘ugly ducklings’ are available at a discount in various supermarkets.
- Store your food in a smart way.
Keep your old products at the front of the cupboard, fridge or freezer, and place the ones with a longer shelf life at the back. Make sure that your opened fresh food is kept airtight in the refrigerator, and always keep packages tightly closed. Keep your fridge neat and tidy! That makes it easier to see exactly what you’ve got in stock, and prevents unnecessary food waste!
- Did you know that the ‘best before’ date and ‘use-by’ dates mean different things?
The best before date, sometimes shown as BBE (best before end), is about quality and not safety. The food will be safe to eat after this date if it still looks and smells OK.
The use-by date, however, is a cut-off date after which food should no longer be eaten.
- Start small
Try to cook smaller portions at home, or share a large dish at a restaurant.
- Save your leftovers in the fridge or freeze,
so you eat them at another time. This not only reduces food waste, it’s also very useful if you don’t feel like cooking or don’t have the time! Some leftovers can also be used as an ingredient in another meal, or take your leftovers with you for lunch!
- Use your food waste!
Instead of throwing away your food scraps, compost them. This returns nutrients to the soil, and reduces your ecological footprint.
Did you know that you can also make vegetable broth from food waste! For example, keep bits of onion peels, fennel ends, cauliflower stumps, and small pieces of garlic: Sauté leftover vegetables such as the top, stems, skins and other leftover pieces with some olive oil or butter, then add water and simmer until a tasty vegetable stock is obtained.
- Use all of your ingredients/vegetables
Eat the peel! Lots of people peel their vegetables before use, but did you know that the skin contains most of the vitamins? For example, it’s best to wash carrots and beets well, and then cut them into the desired pieces without peeling them.
Another interesting tidbit: did you know you can eat broccoli and cauliflower stumps? They’re delicious stir-fried! Using everything means you don’t have to throw away as much, and your budget goes further!
