Why Reducing Food Waste Matters
Did you know that over 30% of food produced globally is wasted every year? That’s about 1.3 billion tons of food—and a significant portion of this waste comes from our own homes. Not only does wasted food contribute to climate change (through methane emissions as it decomposes in landfills), but it also means wasted money, time, and effort.
The good news? Reducing food waste at home is easier than you might think. With a few simple changes to your daily habits, you can make a big difference for the environment—and for your grocery bill.
Here are 10 actionable tips to help you get started.
1. Plan Your Meals in Advance
Meal planning is one of the easiest ways to reduce food waste. By creating a weekly menu, you can shop for only the ingredients you need, reducing the risk of buying extras that might go uneaten.
• Quick Tip: Check your fridge and pantry before heading to the store to see what you already have. Build your meal plan around these items to use them up first
2. Store Food Properly
A lot of food waste happens simply because ingredients go bad before we have a chance to use them. Learning proper storage techniques can extend the life of your produce and leftovers.
• Keep Herbs Fresh: Store fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley in a glass of water with a loose plastic bag over the top.
• Refrigerate or Freeze: Keep highly perishable foods, like berries or leafy greens, in airtight containers or freeze them if you won’t use them right away.
3. Organize Your Refrigerator
An organized fridge makes it easier to see what you have and prevents food from getting forgotten in the back.
• First In, First Out: Store older items at the front of your fridge and newer items in the back. This way, you’ll remember to use what’s about to expire.
• Label Leftovers: Use masking tape to label containers with the date they were made.
4. Get Creative with Leftovers
Instead of tossing out last night’s dinner, reinvent it! Many leftovers can be repurposed into new meals with just a little creativity.
• Example: Roast chicken can be turned into chicken salad, tacos, or soup. Cooked vegetables can be blended into sauces or added to omelets.
5. Freeze for Later
Freezing is a game-changer when it comes to reducing food waste. If you have too much of something, freeze it before it goes bad.
• What to Freeze:
• Bread, shredded cheese, and ripe bananas for smoothies or baking.
• Fresh herbs: Chop and freeze them in olive oil using an ice cube tray.
• Leftover sauces or broths: Freeze in small portions to use later.
6. Compost Food Scraps
Even with the best intentions, some food waste is inevitable. Instead of sending scraps to the landfill, start a compost bin to turn them into nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
• Compostable Items Include: Fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and even paper tea bags.
If you don’t have a garden, check for local composting programs in your area.
7. Understand Expiration Dates
“Best by,” “sell by,” and “use by” dates can be confusing and often lead to perfectly good food being thrown away.
• Quick Tip: Many foods are safe to eat past the “best by” date as long as they still look and smell fine. Trust your senses over the label!
8. Save Your Scraps for Broth
Vegetable peels, onion skins, and herb stems don’t have to be thrown away—they can be turned into delicious homemade vegetable stock!
How to Do It:
1. Collect scraps in a bag or container and store them in the freezer.
2. Once you have enough, simmer them in water with salt and spices to make broth.
3. Strain and freeze the stock for soups, stews, or sauces.
9. Buy Smaller Portions
It’s tempting to stock up during grocery runs, but buying in smaller quantities can prevent food from going bad before you can finish it.
• Quick Tip: If you’re shopping for fresh produce, buy only what you know you’ll use in the next few days.
10. Support Local Farmers
Shopping from local farmers means fresher produce that lasts longer because it hasn’t traveled far. At Leprendo, we connect you directly with farmers, ensuring you get the highest quality ingredients while supporting sustainable farming practices.
By purchasing from small-scale producers, you’re not only reducing your carbon footprint but also making a meaningful impact on your community.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Reducing food waste at home is all about small, mindful habits that add up over time. By planning your meals, storing food properly, and finding creative uses for scraps, you can save money, reduce your environmental impact, and even discover new ways to appreciate your ingredients.
At Leprendo, we believe food should never go to waste. Every item you purchase from our marketplace is a chance to support sustainable agriculture and ensure that nothing goes unused. Together, we can create a brighter, more sustainable food system.