What do you think about what you hear the term “Food Waste”?
Rotten tomatoes in your garbage can? Expired yogurt stinking up your fridge? Did you know that in the Township of Langley, food waste costs an average household approximately $500 per year? And in Canada, we waste an average of 2.2 million tonnes of food every year.
That’s a lot of food. And a lot of money.
What if you were able to avoid wasting 63% of your food? You can! Here are some ways you can reduce your food waste at home:
Shop your fridge first
It is SO easy to buy whatever you want without having a second thought. But when you do this you risk wasting time, money AND food. Always shop your fridge first before heading to the grocery store. Can I make a meal out of my about-to-expire broccoli? If the answer is yes, you can help reduce food waste by eating what you already have in your fridge.
Buying what you need
Aside from shopping your fridge first, buying only what you need will reduce food waste AND help you save money. When you are picking up an item at the grocery store, ask yourself two questions: 1. “When will I eat it”? 2. “Will I be able to finish it before the expiry date?”
Making the most out of your veggie!
Vegetables account for almost 30% of all food wasted in Canada, so knowing what to do with your veggies is key to reducing household food waste. From canning your cucumbers to freezing your veggie stems for broth later, there are lots of different ways to help you waste less!
Freeze your fruits!
Summer is *almost* here and that means a lot of fresh fruit will be on sale (especially those juicy BC peaches). To reduce wasting this ripe, delicious fruit, be mindful of how much you are buying, and freeze what you aren’t able eat right away.
Did you know that frozen fruit and vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh fruit?
Canning, Perserving, Dehydrating - and Repeat!
If you enjoy cooking, get your hands dirty with canning your fruits and veggies! Better yet, invite some friends over for a cooking session. The new Canada Food Guide suggests that eating meals with others can promote healthy eating habits. Not only can you save the environment, but you can also build healthier lifestyles with your loved ones.
Storing your produces, properly.
Storing your produce properly can make your it last longer! Love Food Hate Waste Canada has a comprehensive guide on how to store your food. For example, store your winter squash in a cool, dark, dry, and well-ventilated place. Click HERE for the complete list.
Your last resort- compost them if you really can't
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. The same principle should apply with food waste as well. Reduce buying more than you eat, use up as much food as you can, and compost last. Always consider composting as your last resort after exhausting all other options.
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