Get friendly with the freezer

In the early twentieth century, Clarence Birdseye took note from the Inuits as they caught fish and used a flash freezing method to ensure that it would taste great after it had been cooked. He had learned an important preservation method from the indigienous Canadians and never looked back, creating one of the biggest frozen vegetables companies in the world. Freezing food can help extend its shelf life by slowing down the growth of bacteria. As a result, frozen food can be stored for months or even years without going bad. Additionally, freezing can help to lock in flavor and texture, making it a great option for preserving fresh herbs and vegetables. Even leftovers can be frozen for later enjoyment. With a little planning and effort, almost any type of food can be successfully preserved using this method and thus reducing food waste.

Buy in bulk

Buying in bulk can also help you to reduce food waste as it will allow you to buy the items that you need in larger quantities. This way, you can use them all up before they go bad and you won’t have to worry about them going to waste. Buying in bulk can also help you to save money as it will often be cheaper than buying smaller quantities of food. If you already have a membership to Costco or Sam’s Club, you already know how helpful buying in bulk is.

Store food properly

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Storing food properly is another key way to reduce food waste. This means keeping things like fruits and vegetables in the fridge or freezer so that they last longer. It also means storing dry goods in airtight containers so that they don’t go stale. You can buy a FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer for easy food preservation and to ensure they stay fresh. Storing food properly can also help you to save money as it will prevent your food from going bad prematurely.

Plan your meals ahead of time

One of the best ways to reduce food waste is to plan your meals ahead of time. This way, you can make sure that you only buy the ingredients that you need and that you use them all up before they go bad. Craving a taco night? Buy the specific ingredients you need, but also plan for possible meals with the extra ingredients. Meal planning can also help you to save money as you will be less likely to impulse buy items that you don’t really need.

Use a grocery list

Another way to reduce food waste is to use a grocery list. This way, you can make sure that you only buy the items that you need and that you don’t end up with a bunch of food that you’ll never use. Plus we all hate having to go back to the grocery store after we forget to pick up a key ingredient. Need a groceries list app?

Buy frozen fruits and vegetables

Frozen fruits and vegetables are a great way to reduce food waste as they have a longer shelf life than fresh produce. Additionally, frozen fruits and vegetables are often just as nutritious as fresh produce and can be just as delicious! Another plus is that these veggies and fruits usually come pre-sliced. If you’re ever short on time, you can always whip up certain veggies and fruits and make a healthy smoothie.

Learn how to cook

Another easy way to reduce food waste is to learn how to cook. This way, you can make sure that you are using all of the ingredients that you buy and that nothing goes to waste. Learning how to cook can also help you to save money as home-cooked meals are usually cheaper than eating out or ordering takeout. And it tends to be a whole lot healthier as well. Need some inspiration?

Make homemade stock

How many times have you just thrown away that $5 rotisserie chicken carcass from Costco after devouring it with the family? Next time, make a delicious broth by simmering it along with other food scraps, spices, herbs and vegetables. An aromatic broth takes only minutes and can be done right on the stovetop. Use any leftover bits from dinner, like vegetable tops or meat bones to make this simple but tasty stock for future use.

Don’t let good food go bad

One of the biggest causes of food waste is letting good food go bad. This happens when we forget about the food we have and it ends up sitting in the fridge or pantry until it goes bad. To avoid this, try to eat the oldest foods first and make sure to rotate your groceries so that nothing gets forgotten about.

Compost your scraps

If you do have some food that is going bad, you can compost it! Composting your food scraps is another great way to reduce food waste. This way, instead of throwing away your leftover fruits and vegetables, you can turn them into nutrient-rich compost for your garden. Composting can also help you to save money as it will reduce the amount of garbage that you have to dispose of each week.

Want more inspirational tips on saving money? Check out our recent blog on ways to save money when the economy isn’t as healthy.