The cost of wasting food
As thousands of Kiwi families struggle to make ends meet, it’s astounding how much food the average household wastes each year.
As thousands of Kiwi families struggle to make ends meet, it’s astounding how much food the average household wastes each year.
WORDS Kate Fenwick
In New Zealand, households discard around $1.13 billion worth of food every year, contributing to the global issue of food waste. Approximately one third of the world’s produced food for human consumption is being lost or wasted annually.
The impact of wasting food goes beyond just the financial cost. It also contributes to unnecessary energy and natural resource waste, and the large amount of food that ends up in landfills generates methane, one of the major causes of global warming.
The root causes of food waste often stem from overbuying and not consuming what was purchased before it goes bad. Many people shop without a plan or a list and end up buying more than they need, which leads to food spoilage and ultimately being thrown away.
Top tips for home meal planning
Meal planning is a valuable strategy for saving time and money, particularly in today’s busy world. By creating a weekly meal plan, you can purchase only the necessary food items and utilise what you already have in your pantry and fridge.
1. Check your inventory: Begin by assessing what you already have in your fridge, freezer and pantry. Pay attention to the expiration dates of existing food items, and aim to incorporate these into your meal planning before they expire.
2. Create a freezer inventory: It’s easy for food to get lost at the bottom of the freezer. Consider making a freezer whiteboard where you can jot down all the items you have in the freezer so that nothing is forgotten.
3. Utilise leftovers: Transform your leftovers into new meals – create soups, stir-fries, or casseroles. Freeze extras for later or repurpose them into creative dishes to minimise waste.
How to shop smart
Making a meal plan is a fantastic way to shop smarter. By already knowing what you need for the coming week, you are less likely to make unnecessary purchases. Here are some top tips to help you shop more effectively and avoid impulse buys.
1. Have a shopping list: Keep your shopping list visible, such as on the
fridge, and remember to take it with you when you go shopping. Alternatively, snap a photo of it on your phone to ensure you don’t forget it. A list can help you stay focused and avoid making impulse purchases.
2. Stick to your list: Before adding items to your cart, ask yourself if you really need them and if they are on your list. If the answer is no, it’s best to bypass the item.
3. Buy what you need: Avoid bulk purchases unless you are certain that you will use all of the items before they spoil. For example, if your meal plan calls for a couple of carrots, opt for loose carrots instead of a 2kg bag.
Keeping your food fresh
Effective food storage not only extends the shelf life of your groceries but also provides you with greater flexibility in meal preparation and consumption. Here are some top tips for smart food storage to help minimise waste and maximise the longevity of your food.
1. FIFO method: Implement the “first in, first out” method. When you unpack groceries, move older products in your pantry, fridge or freezer to the front, and place newer items at the back. This approach encourages you to use older foods before they expire.
2. Monitor and adapt: Keep track of the food items you are disposing of on a regular basis, and consider recording these instances in a diary for a week. This can help identify patterns and adjustments in storage practices that could potentially extend the lifespan of your food.
3. Label “Eat Me First”: Items nearing their expiration date should be labeled as “eat me first”. Utilise your meal planning to incorporate these products into your recipes and avoid unnecessary waste.
By incorporating these sustainable practices into daily life, households
can contribute to reducing food waste. These methods offer practical and efficient ways to manage and recycle food waste, ultimately minimising waste and benefiting the planet.