Tips and tricks to reduce your waste and save money for the year ahead.
As we embrace a new year, many of us are reflecting on ways to make positive changes in our lives. One impactful resolution that not only benefits the environment but also promotes mindful living is the transition to a zero-food waste kitchen. Love Food Hate Waste NZ is at the forefront of this movement, encouraging individuals to minimise their food waste, saving up to $1,510 a year per household.
1. Assess and Plan:
The first step to a zero-food waste kitchen begins with thoughtful meal planning. Create a weekly menu, consider perishable items in your pantry or fridge that you could use. This will not only help you purchase what you need but it also ensures that each ingredient has a purpose, reducing the likelihood of items going to waste.
2. Smart Shopping:
Before heading to the grocery store, check your pantry and refrigerator to avoid buying duplicates of items you already have. Make a detailed shopping list based on your meal plan, and stick to it. Additionally, consider buying in bulk for non-perishable items to reduce packaging waste.
3. Check expiry dates often:
Regularly check the expiration dates of perishable items to ensure you prioritise consuming them before they go off. Organise your pantry and fridge to easily spot items that need attention. One of the easiest ways to do this is to create an “Eat Me First” shelf in your fridge and pantry. Using stickers to identify the shelf and food items will help other people in your family recognise what needs to be eaten first. This also helps maintain an efficient kitchen.
4. Master Portion Control:
Be realistic about serving sizes to minimise leftovers. If you do find yourself with extra food, consider freezing portions for later use. This not only reduces food waste but also streamlines your meal planning. Having lots of smaller reusable containers or ice cube trays to freeze leftover sauces or grated cheese is a great way to store the leftover bits from cooking.
5. Effective Food Storage:
Keep fruits and vegetables in reusable produce bags or containers in the fridge to maintain freshness. Things like eggplants and onions should be kept out of the fridge in a cool place. Label and organise your pantry to prevent food items from expiring unnoticed. For the complete guide on A to Z produce storage visit Love Food Hate Waste NZ’s website.
6. Composting:
Love Food Hate Waste NZ emphasises the importance of composting as a way to divert organic waste from landfills. Composting not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also produces nutrient-rich compost that can be used to enrich your garden soil.
7. Educate and Involve Others:
Share your journey with friends and family to inspire collective action. Host a small workshop or share tips on social media to encourage others. Love Food Hate Waste NZ provides valuable resources and information that can be shared to raise awareness about the impact of food waste on the environment.Find out more by visiting www.lovefoodhatewaste.co.nz
