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#StopFoodWasteDay unveils 10 tips to help avoid food waste

27th Apr 2022 - 04:00
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#StopFoodWasteDay, which is taking place on 27 April 2022, aims to share practical, creative and impactful ways we can all change our behaviour to minimise food waste.

Make a list

A family of four losses over £1,000 every year on wasted food. Plan ahead by making a list and only buying what you know you will need.

Learn the art of freezing Each of us tosses nearly 300 lbs of food each year. Get in the habit of freezing leftovers, bread, vegetables and fruit, instead of tossing them in the garbage.

Help save water

Wasting a pound of beef is equivalent to running the shower for 370 minutes because of the resources needed to raise a cow. The longer meat is left out in room temperature, the quicker it will spoil. Always be sure to pick up meat, poultry and seafood last and store it first when you get home.

Revive your veggies

A quick soak in ice water for 5-10 minutes can revive wilted veggies. Even if they can’t be restored, some veggies you intended to eat raw in your salad can still shine in a cooked dish.

Overcooked isn’t over for good

Overcooked vegetables can always be transformed into soups or sauces. Just toss them in the blender with soup stock, milk, or cream. Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, cauliflower and potatoes are excellent for this.

Less air= less freezer burn

This is what happens when food oxidizes in the freezer. Always squeeze any excess air from plastic bags and containers. For example. you likely won’t eat a whole loaf of bread at once, so slice it, wrap it securely and pop it in the freezer. Freezer burn is harmless but does affect taste.

Don’t be bananas

Browning or spoiled bananas are perfectly fine to eat. Bruised parts of bananas may be easily cut away or used. Very brown or frozen bananas are great for baking quick breads, muffins or cakes.

Waste less with children

We want our kids to try new foods, but studies show many children have to try a food up to 15 times before accepting it. Start with small portions and minimize untouched food. You can always offer seconds when they’re interested.

Use it up

90% of us throw away food too soon. Utilise recipes during the week that will use up the food that’s about to go bad in your pantry or refrigerator. Just because your lettuce is wilted doesn’t mean it’s time to toss it.

Get creative

Avoid wasting food by seeing what needs to be used up before you go to the grocery store. Think of a meal to make with those items, check your pantry for the rest of the ingredients and add missing pieces to the shopping list.

#StopFoodWasteDay created a cookbook to help people reduce their food waste.

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Written by
Edward Waddell