How meal prepping can help the planet

Published on July 20, 2025

Meal prepping has become a popular strategy to save time, reduce stress and eat healthier. Beyond the convenience and health benefits, meal prepping is also a great opportunity to live more sustainably.

Here’s how meal prepping helps you eat green, reduce waste and save time:

Reduces food waste: When you plan your meals in advance, you buy only what you need and use ingredients before they spoil. You’re also more likely to use leftovers efficiently. Start by checking your fridge and pantry before making your grocery list. Plan meals around what you already have to avoid duplicating ingredients and letting food go bad.

Makes shopping more efficient: Prepping meals often means using whole ingredients that are easy to buy in bulk, which not only reduces packaging waste but is often cheaper. It also reduces trips to the store with the bonus of saving on emissions. Bring your own containers or reusable bags when shopping in bulk bins and store ingredients in glass jars or silicone bags at home.

Less reliance on single-use packaging: Fast food and takeout often come with single-use plastic utensils, Styrofoam containers and plastic bags. Invest in reusable containers and bring your lunch or snacks in stainless steel or glass containers. Skip disposable plastic wraps and use beeswax wraps or silicone lids.

Saves energy: Cooking multiple meals at once reduces the amount of energy used compared to cooking each night. You’re using the oven and stove more efficiently and often cooking in larger batches. Use energy-efficient cooking appliances like a slow cooker, pressure cooker or air fryer when prepping in bulk.

You don’t need to prep for an entire week to make an impact. Start with just two or three meals ahead of time and see the difference it makes.