Here at Susquehanna Style, the month of May is all about food! But when we cook our favorite recipes, we don’t often think about what we throw away. Reducing your food waste is great for the environment because it lessens the demand for water and other agricultural resources. Get consumption-conscious this month with these simple lifestyle hacks.
Get a Game Plan
Creating a meal plan can save you time and money and help cut down on your food waste too! By making a plan (and a grocery list), you can buy exactly what you will need for the week and avoid overindulging. Keeping less food around the house ensures that less food will be thrown out in the end. For extra efficiency, organize your list by aisle to keep yourself on track.
Shop Smart
Much of your weekly food waste can be eliminated right at the source – the grocery store. Taking a few short trips to the store when you have a need instead of one longer trip helps to eliminate unnecessary purchases. And don’t forget to eat before you go! Shopping on an empty stomach will leave you more inclined to reach for extra snacks that aren’t on your list.
First In, First Out
Have you ever cleaned out your fridge and found containers of what looked like science experiments hiding in the back? It has probably happened to us all. Once the groceries arrive home, make use of the “FIFO” method – first in, first out! Store the newest items in the back of the fridge or cabinet and move older ones to the front. This way, you’ll use up the food that has been there longer, instead of leaving it behind to be forgotten.
Read Between the Lines
According to the FDA, somewhere around 20 percent of food waste can be attributed to consumers’ misunderstanding of date labeling. “Best if used by”and “use by” dates only suggest when the product will be at its best quality for consumption. “Sell by” dates tell stores when to remove products from the shelves. None of these are dates that inform whether or not the product is safe to consume. As a general rule of thumb, use your senses! If a food item has changed in texture, color, or smell, then it’s probably time to toss it.
Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose
What about leftover produce? There are plenty of unique ways to use up spare fruits and veggies that are on their last legs. Zucchini, spinach, squash, beets, and more can be added to smoothies for extra nutrients. Even produce that doesn’t look its best can still taste great in soups or when baked in the oven. For a tangy twist, almost any fruit or vegetable can be pickled with the right combination of vinegar, salt, and sugar!
Compost it!
May 29 is National Learn About Composting Day! Starting a compost pile is a great way to conserve energy, and it makes great natural fertilizer for your garden. All you need is a place to collect scraps, and a spot in your yard for the compost to live. Not sure what to compost? Anything that is plant material will make the best fertilizer. Vegetable peels and coffee grounds are a good start, but avoid animal products such as meat and fat, as they will only attract pests.
Give Back
Caring for the planet and your hometown at the same time? Yes, please! Try donating unopened canned and dry goods to your local food bank or soup kitchen. Many food pantries rely on donations to provide for those in the community who need a little extra. Check out our list of food banks in the Susquehanna Valley below. Before you drop by, be sure to call or check their website to see which kinds of donations your local business will accept.
