10 ways to waste less food

Wasting food is costly, frustrating and something few of us particularly want to do. So, do you want to cut the amount you throw away? Then here’s ten ways you can set about doing just that…

1. Proper planning: It’s easy to think no further than the food you’ll be eating in the week ahead but try to avoid this. If, for example, you’ve set your heart on a recipe involving chorizo this week, factor in that you’ll have enough left over next week for round two – or for another dish.

If you’re going to need a big bag of vegetables for one meal can you not use some of the spare you’ll have left over for another dish? It’s all about being in the right mindset. Tell yourself you want to use every last bit of every item you buy and try to work out creative ways of doing so.

2. Shopping lists: As an extension of your planning you’ll need to map out the items you’re going to buy. Make a list of the things you need and stick to it – if every item is purchased for a purpose it’s less likely to go to waste.

Don’t get sucked in by ‘too good to miss’ offers on items you won’t use. You’ll end up spending money on food you don’t really need.

3. Recipes: Do some research online and dig out some simple but tasty recipes. This will help massively when it comes to planning and drawing up lists. Keep some tried and trusted leftover recipes to hand too; to help you throw together a meal from anything you happen to have left over.

4. Use your freezer: Plenty of foods can be saved for a later date just by freezing them. Even items such as cheese, cream and milk can be frozen. Head to ao.com, search out a good quality freezer with plenty of room and make use of it to help cut your waste.

5. Don’t shop on an empty stomach: Only pay a visit to the supermarket after you’ve eaten a meal. Trawling round a shop with a rumbling tummy is dangerous and will only encourage you to buy food that you won’t end up eating.

6. Takeaway: Don’t worry if your eyes are bigger than your belly and you order too much takeaway food. See if there’s any you can save. Those last two slices of pizza you can’t manage will make a great lunch the next day. However, don’t risk reheating rice – it may have already been frozen and reheated – but you can cut waste by ordering fewer portions of it. There’s always plenty to go around anyway.

7. Understand food labels: That ‘best before’ date on the packaging is only a guide, highlighting how long your food item will be at its tastiest until. Don’t feel like you have to throw something away just because you’ve reached it. Food is fine to eat until the ‘use by’ date.

8. Organise your fridge: A well-ordered fridge will help you to see what you’ve got in stock at all times and prevent contamination. The Squawkfox.com infographic in this BuzzFeed article shows how to do this effectively.

9. Storage: Tupperware is your friend. Keep things in airtight containers in the fridge, freezer and cupboards to preserve their life and avoid them going to waste.

10. Portion sizes: Dish up realistic amounts of food. If you’ve unearthed a cracking recipe that serves eight and there’s only two of you then consider making less or look into how you can store and save the excess.

When it comes to wasting less food, it’s so simple to make little changes that can have a big effect on your wallet and your impact on the environment.