According to research, 30 to 40 percent of the food supply goes uneaten, costing an average family of four over $1,500 annually. The adverse effects of food loss are often overlooked, but reducing this waste helps individuals and their families, the environment, and the world.

Composting

Composting is an eco-friendly way to reuse kitchen scraps. It turns food scraps into soil amendments for in-ground or potted plants. The process requires a compost bin, which provides an ideal environment for decomposing food waste. It helps control moisture and temperature and keeps larger critters and unpleasant odours out.

Composting is best suited for pre-consumer food waste, which is food refuse that has been prepared before it is consumed. It is usually diminished quality bulk food that never sees a consumer. It must be separated from the rest of the waste stream. In comparison, post-consumer food waste contains contaminants, which makes it difficult to compost.

Composting can be done at a home or business. Some food service businesses compost their food waste on-site. They can use bins, rows, or aerated containers to compost it. In-vessel systems are less labour-intensive and cost-effective than composting in a compost bin. The finished compost can also be sold for additional income or used for landscape purposes. Additionally, food waste compost can be used by local farmers.

Composting also helps in improving soil quality. By using composting bins, it is possible to reduce food waste and thereby reduce garbage disposal costs. Some food waste is not suitable for composting. Hence, it is essential to dispose of it properly. In addition to composting, you can apply leachate collected from the composting process.

Saving time

Creating a shopping list is one of the best ways to reduce food waste. It will save you from impulsive purchasing and browsing at the supermarket. Also, you can include the amount of fresh ingredients needed for meals, like meat and produce. For example, you can include one apple in your shopping list for three days of lunches at school. You can also plan for your lifestyle and consider which foods are commonly wasted in your household.

Another good way to reduce food waste is by planning your meals. If you plan, you’ll likely stick to the plan. Planning meals and ensuring that you have enough food for meals throughout the week will save you time and money and reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, you’ll save money by using food in your home rather than going to the store every day.

Storing leftovers

Using reusable containers to store leftovers is one way to reduce food waste. While you can easily buy disposable containers, they will not retain the food’s freshness for a long time. Alternatively, you can use plates to store leftovers. In addition, you should avoid mixing up leftovers and use separate containers for meats and vegetables.

You can also freeze leftovers, such as vegetables, meat, and poultry, to reduce food waste. These foods keep well in the freezer for a longer time. However, you should avoid vegetables with high water content because they become soggy when thawed. Another way to store leftovers is by freezing them in portions and keeping them in the refrigerator. It’s easier and less time-consuming to freeze a meal in small amounts. You can find inexpensive freezer bags from grocery stores.

The best way to store leftovers is in glass containers. Glass containers can keep food fresh for up to two days. If you have raw meats or sausage leftovers, you can freeze them for even longer. However, you should ensure you consume them within a few months of freezing. 

Using leftovers is also an effective way to reduce food waste. You can use unused vegetables to make soup stock or save them for another dish. You can also use stale bread and vegetables for toast or breadcrumbs.

Using a meal delivery service

Using a meal delivery service can save you time and money. You can prepare your meals in minutes instead of spending countless hours in the grocery store. Moreover, meal delivery services can also help you plan meals better. And if you don’t have the time to prepare a delicious meal yourself, a meal delivery service can help you reduce food waste. Visit https://goodandfugly.com.au/ to learn more about this.

If you’re interested in cutting down on food waste, consider using a meal delivery service that follows high animal welfare standards. These standards ensure the safety of the food you purchase and that you’re not wasting food. For instance, meal delivery services should source their animal proteins locally. Furthermore, they should use environmentally-friendly packaging material. By using climate-friendly packaging, food is kept fresher longer in transit. It is essential because long-distance shipping decreases the ingredients’ nutritional value and negatively impacts the environment.

While a meal delivery service won’t eliminate food waste, many companies have begun to offer environmentally-conscious meal options that are convenient and affordable. These companies increasingly choose local, seasonal, and organic ingredients in their meals and use recyclable and compostable packaging. Not only that, but many of these meal delivery services offer a wide range of meal choices, so you won’t have to sacrifice variety for sustainability.