By Kana McNiff
The number one waste in US landfills is food waste. When we have such an abundance of food around us, it’s easy to just throw away old food and buy new food. I often find myself throwing away food from the fridge because sometimes it’s easier to throw out than to deal with. However, it’s important to get the most out of our food because rotting food in the landfill produces methane, which contributes to global warming and ozone depletion. Here are some simple ways to reduce food waste.
#1. Learn how to store your produce. The shelf life of produce can decrease significantly when stored incorrectly. Garlic, onions, avocados, and tomatoes should be stored in a cool, dry place that has good air circulation. Carrots, potatoes, squash, and eggplants should be stored in a dark, dry place with good room temperature air circulation. Herbs should be wrapped in a damp cloth and stored in the refrigerator. Leafy greens (kale, lettuce, spinach, etc.) should be wrapped in a damp cloth and stored in the refrigerator. Celery should be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly with aluminum foil or a damp cloth. Citrus should be stored in a damp, cool location. This can be achieved by placing them in a ziplock bag and into the fridge. Refrigerators should be cleaned regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
#2. Know when your food expires. If you know that you’re leaving for a trip in a week, you probably shouldn’t buy that gallon of milk. With easily perishable food, it’s good to check the expiration date before purchasing. Think about if you’re really going to eat it or if it’s just going to sit around in your fridge, and be realistic. Also note that expiration dates are more of a general guideline for when the food shouldn’t be eaten and not when the food actually expires. Use your sense of smell and taste to determine whether the food is edible or not.
#3 Learn how to prepare meals ahead of time. Before going to the grocery store to do your shopping for the week, think about what meals you want to eat that week and buy the ingredients needed for those meals. Although it may take some time to make a grocery list, this will prevent you from buying unnecessary items and save you some money.
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