Reduce your food waste

Did you know that the average UK citizen produces 57 kilos of fully edible food waste a year? This means a tremendous waste of money and the earth's resources. But with a few simple steps, you can reduce your food waste!

 

Pre-shop plan

The foundation for reducing food waste is laid even before the food arrives home. By keeping the fridge in order, it will be easy to get an overview of what you have at home. Let SmartStore™ Compact Clear help you with this.

Then plan your shopping and take a look at your cabinets and drawers before going to the grocery store. Once you are in the store, think short-term and shop only what you can get rid of before it gets bad.

Store

It may sound obvious, but food stored properly lasts longer. A rule of thumb is that the lower the temperature, the longer the food lasts. There is often information on the packaging that can help you.

Most foods are best to be stored in the refrigerator and should be put in as soon as possible. Avoid letting butter and cold cuts stand on the table during long weekend breakfasts. Food that is approaching its use-by date can easily be frozen to last longer.

Prepare

One of the most important tips to stop food waste may sound like the simplest - to make sure to take appropriate portions and eat the food that is left over. Much of the food that is thrown away is just leftovers. See the leftovers as a bonus!

Leftovers from today's dinner can become tomorrow's lunch, leftover cheese peels and vegetables can be used as a topping for a pizza, and brown bananas turn into a delicious banana bread.

More tips and information can be found at Action to reduce food waste announced - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and BBC Good Food.