In the UK, it is estimated that around 10 million tonnes of food go to waste yearly. That’s a lot of food! This not only has an environmental impact but also means that money is being wasted. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on how to reduce food waste and ensuring that less food ends up in landfills.
1. Do Thorough Planning Before You Go Shopping
Make sure to thoroughly check your fridge, freezer, and cupboards before you go shopping. This will help you avoid buying things you already have at home and reduce the chances of food going off before you can use it. It’s also a good idea to make a list before shopping so that you only buy the things you need.
If you find that you have food close to its expiry date, don’t throw it away! A quick search will give you plenty of ideas for what to do with those ingredients.
2. Invest in Quality Food Storage Containers
Investing in good-quality food storage containers can also help reduce food waste. If you have somewhere to store food that will stay fresh for longer, you are less likely to throw it away. There are all sorts of containers available, so you can find ones that suit your needs. Make sure to wash them out and reuse them to get the most out of your investment.
3. Learn How to Freeze Food
If you’re unsure how to freeze food, plenty of resources are available online. Freezing food is a great way to preserve it for longer and means that you can make the most out of seasonal produce. When freezing food, label everything, so you know what it is and when it was frozen. That way, you can ensure you use it before it goes off.
4. Buy Sustainable and Locally Sourced Produce
When shopping for food, try to buy sustainable and locally sourced produce where possible. This will help to reduce your carbon footprint and also support local businesses. If you can’t find what you’re looking for locally, look for products with the least amount of packaging. Buying in bulk can also be a great way to reduce waste. For example, you can buy delicious sustainable trout from Fish for Thought which is a fantastic way to get your omega-three hit without harming the environment.
5. Compost Your Food Waste
If you have a garden, composting your food waste is a great way to reduce waste and provide nutrients for your plants. If you don’t have a garden, there are many other ways to compost your food waste. There are now city-wide composting schemes in many cities across the UK, so there’s sure to be one near you. You can also look into vermicomposting, a process of composting using worms. This can be done indoors, so it is an excellent option if you live in an urban area.
We hope that these tips have helped you to learn more about how to reduce food waste. Every little bit helps, so you will be making a difference even if you only make one or two changes. Remember, food waste doesn’t just have an environmental impact but also a financial and social impact. So do your part to reduce waste and help to create a better world for everyone.