Did you know that 30-40% of the U.S.'s food supply is lost due to food waste? That’s billions of pounds (and dollars!) worth of food sent to the landfill each year - not to mention countless hours of labor associated with making and distributing it wasted.
Food is the single largest category of material placed in municipal landfills, and once there, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, that food emits a tremendous volume of greenhouse gases.
With some intentional shopping and planning, you can help lower these numbers and cut down on the impact of food waste on the environment (and your wallet).
Only Buy What You Plan to Use
When you're shopping for food - whether it's at the grocery store or your local market - resist the temptation to purchase items that aren't on your list. Set aside time each week to plan out your meals and snacks, then stick to that list once you go shopping.
While it can be tempting to grab extra loaves of bread when they go on sale or go a little overboard when apple picking in the fall, think carefully about each purchase you make. If you're buying extras, do you have the ability to properly store and/or use them before they go bad? If the answer is no, back away from the extra items and head to the checkout line.
If you're finding yourself continuously struggling to stick to a list, consider using an online service that will shop for and/or deliver your groceries for you. While you may have to pay a fee for this service, it could end up costing you less than you'd spend on food products you don't end up using.
Become A Meal Prepping Master
If you're like many others, it can feel like the you that went grocery shopping is very different than the you that has to actually cook throughout the week. With schedules often very hectic, it can be tempting to set aside the ingredients for the meals you were planning to make and order takeout instead.
To help avoid this, don't just plan your meals - prep them! A little time at the start of your week can help save you time and money later. Chop veggies, portion out ingredients, and pre-cook things that can be safely prepared in advance.
Don't Let Your Leftovers Go to Waste
Plan for how you'll use leftovers that you may have from meals. If you're cooking more than you need each night, divide the leftovers into portions and pack them in containers for lunch the next day (and commit to actually eating them).
As you're planning your meals for the week, cut back by one or two if you often find yourself with leftovers. Schedule a "Whatever You Want Wednesday" or another wildcard day in your week where everyone in your household can pick from the previous few days' leftovers (just make sure everything is stored properly so it doesn't get old before you get a chance to chow down).
You can get tips on leftovers and food safety from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Don't Cut Your Losses - Compost Them
No one is perfect, so there may be times when you just don't get around to using the five-pound bag of potatoes you bought a few weeks ago. Or you may find that container of leftovers shoved in the back of the fridge looking a little questionable.
Instead of simply accepting your losses, turn them into an opportunity by composting the unused food. Composting the food keeps it out of the landfill and can provide soil that will help future plants grow. You can compost at home or may have a compost center in your area.
Get tips for composting at home.
Go Green, Save Green
Follow these tips to minimize food waste and you’ll be maximizing your savings and positive impact on the environment in no time.
Want to learn more? There are many other things you can do to benefit the environment and give your wallet a break. Read about them in our resource center.
