5 ways to reduce food waste

Published on January 31, 2025

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, approximately one-third of all food produced globally is wasted. That translates to discarding more than a billion tons of food each year. The issue of food waste is a growing problem but one you can address in your own home. It’s good for the environment and for your budget.

Here are some tips to tackle food waste.

Plan your meals: Consider what you already have in your pantry and refrigerator and build meals around those items. This not only helps you avoid purchasing unnecessary items but also ensures that you use ingredients before they spoil. And make a shopping list based on your meal plan to stay focused during grocery trips.

Practice First In, First Out (FIFO): When organizing your food at home, adopt the FIFO method — use the oldest items first. This simple practice can significantly reduce the chances of food going bad before you use it. When you bring new groceries home, place them behind older items.

Understand Expiration Dates: “Sell by,” “use by,” and “best before” dates can often be confusing. While these dates are important for food safety, many products are still safe to consume after the listed date. Educate yourself on reading labels and trust your senses. Look for signs of spoilage and if the food looks or smells fine, it’s likely still good. Remember, the “best before” date refers to quality rather than safety, so don’t toss items just because they’ve reached that date.

Embrace Leftovers Creatively: Get creative with your leftovers by incorporating them into new dishes. It reduces waste while saving you time and effort in meal preparation.

Compost When Possible: Instead of throwing away scraps and peels, consider composting them. It helps creates nutrient-rich soil that can be used for gardening.

Reducing food waste is a shared responsibility that can be tackled through small changes in our daily habits – starting at home.