I heard a very discouraging fact today: in some areas, nearly 50% to 60% of the food produced goes to waste, yet, 800 million people go hungry each day. Food is a resource that is far too important to waste. Not only that, but groceries can be expensive!
Think back to the last time you cleaned your fridge... honestly, how much food did you throw away? I am often embarrassed when I find unopened containers of expired yogurt, untouched left-overs, and bags of soggy spinach when cleaning my fridge.
This year I am planning on taking photos of all of the food I throw away. A little weird and perhaps a little drastic, but I really think in order to see what a HUGE issue it is for each of our households, this is the way to do it. I would encourage you to check out the documentary Wasted! The Story of Food Waste (produced by Anthony Bourdain). You will never look at food waste the same again.
One day, I would love to be able to say I grow my own fruits and vegetables and create compost with food waste, but that will take some time to develop.
So what is is the simplest and most practical step we can take to eliminate some of our own food waste?
Create a meal plan and grocery list!
This is probably the single, most effective thing we can do. It not only eliminates the daily stress of "what's for dinner" (hello automation), it saves time by requiring fewer trips to the grocery store, it saves money by eliminating those unnecessary items we always purchase at every trip and come home to find we already have 5 of, AND it's healthier than eating out! If you are not super excited about creating a meal plan, start with making a list of as many of your favorite dishes as you can, and then writing those onto a calendar. See. Easy.
After creating your list, make a list of the groceries you need at home to make these items. Then check your fridge and pantry for items you already have and cross them off!
Lastly, when you are at the store, try to eliminate (or at least limit) the number of items you purchase not on your list. Time yourself: try to get in and out of the grocery store as fast as you can! This will help you stick to your list and not spend time aimlessly looking at items on the shelf, or finding snacks that you "must have." Another option: use a grocery pick-up or delivery service like Wal-Mart. (use this link and save $10) - it not only saves you time, but helps eliminate purchasing impulse items!
If sitting down to plan a week's worth of meals and groceries doesn't sound like tons of fun for you, give a planning service like emeals a try. I am a huge fan of services that make my life easier, and if you've talked to me more than five times, chances are at least one of those times I have brought up eMeals. Emeals is one of those services for me and it is super affordable (like less than the carton of expired yogurt I just threw away). Even better, the app coordinates with your grocery pick-up service, so you don't have to set foot in the grocery store!( Click here to get a free two-week trial and $10 off!) Seriously. Try it.
What are some of your favorite food-saving tricks? Have you watched Wasted?
Add your comment