1. Food lasts longer than you think
Food is often thrown away after the expiration date on the packaging. However, this creates waste for no reason. In fact, even after the date has passed, it can often be used for several days or weeks. Trust your senses and see what happens!
2. Shop seasonally and locally
Buying fruits and vegetables seasonally is good for the climate and environment. First, seasonal produce from the region lasts longer, and second, there is no reason to throw it away because there is less risk of damage during transportation. Fruits and vegetables arriving from distant countries are often partially damaged and spoil quickly.
3. Buying misshapen vegetables
Many consumers expect perfectly shaped carrots, cucumbers that are a size larger, and apples that are flawless, so a large amount of food is trashed before it reaches the supermarket. Let\’s do something about food waste by giving crooked carrots a chance.
4. Store properly
The way food is stored has a big impact on shelf life. For example, potatoes and onions prefer a dark, not too cold place, as do tomatoes and citrus fruits. Many perishable foods, such as lettuce, spinach, and, of course, dairy products, are better suited to the refrigerator.
5. Don\’t buy what you don\’t need
Buying only what you really need also helps reduce waste. Think about what you want to eat or cook before you buy, and buy only that. Many fresh foods, especially fruits, vegetables, and meats, do not last long and should be eaten quickly. For example, lettuce, spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, etc.
6. Always eat everything
What applies to shopping also applies to cooking. Cook only what you need. If cooked properly, leftovers will not end up in the trash. If there are leftovers, put them in the refrigerator for the next day or freeze them.
7. Creative use of leftovers
Half a zucchini, a brown banana, an empty cup of whipped cream. Leftovers and even slightly dried out food can almost always be used up in some way. Whether it\’s a soup, a topping, a pizza, or a cocktail, no one can tell when an ingredient is no longer fresh. This helps reduce waste and definitely tastes better. Be creative!