Food Waste: 5 Practical Ways to Reduce Food Waste in Your Kitchen

How to Reduce Food Waste

Every time you throw away food you are literally throwing money in the trash. So why not do something about it? You don't need a complete kitchen overhaul but you do need to change your habits. Here are some practical ways to reduce food waste beginning today:

1. Better leftovers
A lot of times we stash leftovers in the fridge with the best intentions of eating them but they are usually forgotten. An easy fix is to designate a particular area of the fridge for leftover food. The top rack is a good place since they will be easier to spot. Be sure to date the food so you can eat it while it's still fresh. Here are 16 yummy ways to repurpose leftovers into new meals.

2. Use up veggie scraps
Have you been throwing out carrot peels, onion roots and other odds and ends? Give veggie scraps new life by saving them in the freezer and using them to make stock you can later use to make soups, sauces and rice.

3. Cook smarter
Do you keep throwing out the same food over and over again? Take notice of the dishes you tend to throw out and cook less of them. If you are worried you won't make enough food raid your fridge for some veggies to toss into a salad to complement your meal.

4. Use your freezer
Not sure when you'll be able to eat that leftover soup or casserole? Allow the food to cool and stash it in the freezer immediately. This way it doesn't sit in the fridge for days and spoil.

5. Take inventory
Do you know how many onions you have on hand? Or how much produce is tucked away in your fridge? Keep tabs on what is in your pantry and fridge to make sure you are eating your food before it goes bad. Not sure what to make with random veggies or fruit? Smoothies and soups are two great options.