Tips for preventing Food waste
April 22nd is Earth Day which is celebrated globally in support of the protection of the environment. One way to help protect our planet is by reducing food waste. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, one-third of all food in the United States goes uneaten. In 2019, the EPA estimated that 96% of this food waste ended up in landfills, in combustion facilities or down the drains of sewer systems. As food decomposes in the landfill the greenhouse gas, methane, is emitted. Municipal landfills are the third largest source of human-related methane emissions in the U.S.
By planning, prepping and storing food properly you can reduce food waste which not only helps the environment, but it also saves you money.
Planning and Shopping Tips
- Keep a list handy of your usual meals and their ingredients so it’s easier to shop for these meals.
- Look in your pantry and refrigerator for needed ingredients before adding them to your shopping list.
- Plan your meals for the week before you go shopping and buy only what you need for those meals.
- Buying food from bulk bins can save you money and reduce packaging, but make sure you have a use for all of it before it spoils.
Cooking and Preparation Tips
- Repurpose leftover fruits and vegetables as ingredients in soups, casseroles or smoothies.
- Cook and serve portions for only the number of people you are feeding.
- Leftover fruits and vegetables can be frozen, pickled or dehydrated for later use.
- To reduce spoilage, don’t leave perishable foods at room temperature for more than two hours.
- Place leftovers in clear containers, labeled with a date.
Want more?
Check out our previous edition of Food for Thought!
Carbohydrates are a key fuel source for our bodies. When we eat a food containing carbohydrates our digestive system breaks it down into sugar which then enters the bloodstream. Learn more about the different types of carbohydrates and how they interact with our bodies with our previous edition of Food for Thought!
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