Here’s some tips on how to cut back on food waste:
Planning your meals is one of the most effective ways you can cut waste and food bills. Start by checking your fridge, freezer and store cupboard. Before you go shopping, write a list so you don’t buy things you already have. Get the kids to help and to suggest what meals they’d like to have that week. Then you can work out a weekly meal plan.
Using up leftovers from meals is a great way to prevent food waste, save time cooking, and save money on bought lunches.
For lots of ideas about how to make leftovers into tasty meals or use up fresh foods check out the great recipes on the British Love Food Hate Waste website.
Check what you have stored in your cupboard regularly so you can see what should be used up first. Food that is first into storage, should be first out. After opening packets of dried foods such as cereals, rice, flour and pasta, reseal them tightly or transfer them into storage boxes or jars. If you have opened a can of food, e.g. soup or fruit, and you're not going to use it all at once, empty the food into a storage container and put it in the fridge or freezer. This is because when a can has been opened and the food is open to the air, the tin may transfer more quickly into the food.
Many people are not aware fruit and vegetables will keep longer at lower temperatures. Oranges and pears will last up to two weeks longer if kept in the fridge, while more bulky vegetables such as potatoes and onions should be stored in a cool dark area.
For ideas on how to reduce your food waste read Diane’s story.
One of the main causes for food wastage is that people cook or prepare too much.
Handy tips:
For guidance on portion planning check out Love Food Hate Waste.
Lots of food is wasted because it is not eaten before the best before or use by dates. A UK study found that over one-quarter of the avoidable food waste thrown away each year is either whole or still in its unopened packaging.
What’s the difference between “Use By” and “Best Before” dates?
Date marks come under different headings and there is a difference between a “Use By” date and a “Best Before” date.
A “Use By” date shows how long your food should keep safely if the storage instructions are followed. You shouldn’t buy or eat food if the “Use By” date has passed. It’s illegal to sell food with an expired “Use By” date and if a shop is found to be selling unfit food, they can be fined.
A “Best Before” date is different in that it refers to the quality of the food. This date gives you an idea of when the food should be eaten if you want to eat it at its best quality. After the “Best Before” date it is likely that the quality of the product may begin to change. It isn’t a safety issue and food can still be sold by shops beyond its “Best Before” date as long as it’s still fit to eat.
Often, shops may have goods where the “Best Before” date has expired and sell them for a reduced price. To find out more check out the Ministry of Consumer Affairs website.
There is also good information on best before, use by and other food labeling at the New Zealand Food Safety Authority website.
For more ideas on how to reduce your food waste and save money, check out the UK website Love Food Hate Waste.
