Reduce Food Waste: Simple Ideas to Help Your Wallet and the Planet
Have you ever thrown out some sad spinach that got forgotten at the back of the fridge? Unfortunately, this scenario is more common than you’d think. The United Nations estimates one-third of the food produced globally is thrown away or lost. This waste is not only a strain on the environment, but it’s also a massive economic burden. In addition, food waste represents an opportunity to provide food to those in need. Fortunately, there are several steps that you can take to start living a more sustainable life:
Storage: Make sure to store food properly in the refrigerator and pantry. This will help reduce the chances of food spoiling before it can be eaten. A quick Google can teach you how to keep food as fresh as possible. For things like leafy greens and herbs, you can cut the stems on an angle and stick them in some water, which will keep them fresh much longer.
Repurpose: Leftovers can be a great way to reduce food waste. Repurpose leftovers into new meals, or freeze them for later. One great way to use scraps is to freeze them, and then add them to a cooking stock when you make soup. This can add flavor and extend the value of the food you buy.
Fertilize: One easy way to utilize food waste at home is to turn it into fertilizer. This can be as easy as leaving a banana peel in a cup of water overnight, which will allow the potassium to soak into the water. Add it to your plants and see them grow!
Regrow: You can regrow some foods, like scallions. To regrow scallions, cut off roots and ensure 1 inch remains. Place in a shallow container of water in a cool, dry place with indirect sunlight. Change water every few days. After a few days, roots should start growing. Transfer to a pot of soil and water regularly. Harvest new scallion plants in a few weeks. This can work for other plants too, like celery or bok choy.
Reducing food waste is an important step in helping to protect the environment and reduce economic costs. Also, one pound of food waste equates to almost four pounds of CO2 emissions, so even a small reduction in waste can have a benefit for the environment. By taking simple steps like the ones above, you can make a big impact on food waste from the comfort of your own home.
