Food waste is a significant problem in Canadian households, with the average family throwing away approximately $1,000 worth of food annually. Not only does this hurt your wallet, but it also contributes to environmental issues. Here are 10 practical tips to help you reduce food waste at home.
1. Track Your Inventory with FoodSavr
The first step to reducing food waste is knowing what you have. Use FoodSavr to track all items in your kitchen, set expiry date alerts, and get notified before food goes bad.
2. Understand Expiry Dates
Learn the difference between "Best Before" and "Use By" dates. Many foods are still safe to consume after their best before date—they just might not be at peak quality.
3. Plan Your Meals
Meal planning helps you buy only what you need and use what you have. Use Sous Chef AI to get recipe suggestions based on items nearing expiry in your inventory.
4. Store Food Properly
Proper storage extends shelf life significantly. Keep fruits and vegetables in the right humidity levels, store dairy at the back of the fridge (coldest spot), and use airtight containers for leftovers.
5. Practice FIFO (First In, First Out)
When unpacking groceries, move older items to the front and place new purchases behind them. This ensures you use older items before they expire.
6. Freeze Before It's Too Late
Don't wait until food is about to go bad. Freeze items while they're still fresh for maximum quality. Most foods can be frozen, including bread, meat, vegetables, and even some dairy products.
7. Get Creative with Leftovers
Leftovers don't have to be boring. Transform yesterday's roast chicken into today's chicken salad or soup. Sous Chef AI can suggest recipes based on your leftover ingredients.
8. Compost Unavoidable Waste
Some food waste is inevitable (peels, cores, bones). Composting these items turns them into valuable nutrients for plants instead of methane-producing landfill waste.
9. Buy Imperfect Produce
"Ugly" fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious and delicious as their perfect counterparts. Buying them reduces waste at the farm level and often costs less.
10. Track Your Progress
Use FoodSavr's analytics to see which food categories you waste most. Understanding your patterns helps you adjust purchasing habits and reduce waste over time.
Conclusion
Reducing food waste doesn't require perfection—small changes add up to significant impact. Start with one or two tips from this list, and gradually incorporate more as they become habits. Your wallet and the planet will thank you!
Ready to start reducing food waste? Get started with FoodSavr today.
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