Reducing food waste is not only great for the planet, but it also saves money and makes meal planning less stressful. For families of four like ours, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly buying, cooking, and (unfortunately) tossing food. The good news? A few small changes can make a big difference.
Here are five simple ways we have started to waste less food.
1. Plan Your meals (and stick to the list)
Meal planning might feel like a chore, but it’s a game-changer when it comes to avoiding waste. Start by checking your fridge and pantry for ingredients that need to be used up. Then, create a weekly menu that incorporates those items. Make a shopping list based on your plan and (this is the key) only buy what’s on the list. We really like Budget Bytes as a resource.
Pro tip: Add “flex meals” for leftovers. A stir-fry or pasta night is perfect for tossing in random veggies and proteins from earlier in the week.
2. Get creative with leftovers
Leftovers don’t have to be boring! Instead of reheating the same meal, transform leftovers into something new. Roast chicken from last night? Shred it into tacos or add it to a salad. Extra rice? Stir-fry it with veggies and eggs for a quick fried rice. Even veggie scraps can shine—save them to make homemade stock or toss them into a hearty soup.
For families with picky eaters *ahem*, turn leftover ingredients into fun DIY meals, like build “decorate-your-own” pizzas. They make everyone feel like they’re eating something fresh and exciting.
3. Store food smarter
How you store your food can make or break its shelf life. Keep fruits and vegetables in the right spots (hint: apples like the fridge, potatoes don’t). Use clear containers so you can see what’s inside and don’t forget to label leftovers with the date.
A family fridge can get chaotic, so try designating one shelf for “eat me first” items. This helps everyone know what needs to be used up before it goes bad. And remember to freeze anything you can’t use right away—frozen bread, bananas, or even cooked meals can be lifesavers on busy nights.
4. Get everyone involved
Kids can be surprisingly enthusiastic about food waste when you make it fun. Challenge them to spot ingredients that are about to expire and come up with creative ways to use them. Maybe they create a smoothie combo with leftover fruits or design a “no-waste pizza” topped with odds and ends.
Even small tasks, like helping to pack lunches or portion snacks, teach kids about not wasting food. Plus, when they feel involved, they’re more likely to eat what’s served.
5. Compost the rest
No matter how hard you try, some waste is inevitable. But instead of tossing food scraps in the trash, start a compost bin. We talked this in a previous post and recommended a local pickup service like The Compost People.
Composting keeps food waste out of landfills (where it produces harmful methane gas) and turns it into nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Bonus: It’s a great hands-on way to teach kids about sustainability!