Check your refrigerator often to keep track of what you have and what you need to use. Eat or freeze items before throwing them away. If you have more food on hand than you can use or need, consider donating your extra supply of packaged food to a local food pantry or food drive. As part of a meal plan to reduce waste, many people choose 1 or 2 days a week to eat leftovers stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that up to 20% of food waste comes from confusion about these dates. We throw away 7 million tons of food and drinks from our homes every year, much of which could have been eaten. It costs us 12.5 billion pounds a year and is also harmful to the environment. Here are our best tips for reducing food waste.
Food, especially milk, will run out much faster if it's hotter. Some foods are best kept outside the refrigerator. This includes bread (keep it in a cool, dark place, such as a bread bin or cupboard), bananas, pineapples, potatoes, and onions. Finding ways to reduce food waste can have a strong individual impact and help create a healthier food future for all.
Many fresh fruits and vegetables are kept well frozen, extending their lifespan and reducing waste.
