At moonmoon, we believe in making sustainable choices that benefit both the planet and your pocket. Reducing food waste is a simple yet impactful way to achieve that. Here are our top 5 tips to help you cut down on food waste and make the most of every meal.
1. Plan Your Meals in Advance
One of the biggest contributors to food waste is buying ingredients you don’t actually need. Planning your meals for the week is a great way to avoid this. Before heading to the supermarket, take a quick inventory of what you already have at home and create a shopping list based on specific meals you’ll prepare. This ensures you only buy what you need and avoid unnecessary extras that might spoil before you use them.
2. Store Food Correctly
Proper food storage can make a big difference in how long your produce lasts. Fruits and vegetables often have varying storage needs. For example, bananas, avocados, and tomatoes should stay out of the fridge, while leafy greens and berries will last longer when kept in the fridge. Airtight containers, silicone bags, and reusable beeswax wraps can also help extend the freshness of foods like bread, cheese, and leftovers.
3. Embrace Leftovers
Don't let leftovers go to waste! Get creative by repurposing them into new dishes. For instance, last night’s roast vegetables can become the perfect filling for a hearty wrap or sandwich the next day. You can also freeze leftovers if you know you won’t have time to eat them right away. Label your containers or reusable silicone bags so you can keep track of what’s inside and when it was made.
4. Utilise Every Part of Your Ingredients
Many parts of fruits and vegetables that we often throw away can be used in cooking. For example, broccoli stems and cauliflower leaves can be chopped up and added to soups or stir-fries. Citrus peels can be zested for added flavour in baking or cocktails. Bones and vegetable scraps can be boiled down to make homemade broths, perfect for soups and stews.
5. Monitor Your Food Waste
Keep track of what you’re throwing away. Are there certain foods you regularly don’t use up? This can help you adjust your shopping and cooking habits to reduce future waste. Apps like Olio or Too Good To Go are also great for finding creative ways to ensure food that would otherwise go to waste finds a new home, whether it’s through sharing or picking up surplus from local businesses.
Reducing food waste is not only an eco-friendly practice but can also save you time and money in the long run. With these simple tips, you'll be well on your way to making the most of the food you buy, reducing waste, and supporting a more sustainable lifestyle.
Discover our range of moonmoon reusables, designed to help you reduce your food waste both at home and out and about.
