The average Australian throws out about $1,000 worth of food a year. That’s a lot of money that would be better of in your back pocket. Here are some great and easy ways to reduce your food waste to zero.
- Shop smarter. Don’t buy large portions just to save money if you won’t eat them
- Keep your fridge clean so you can see what’s inside it, and avoid buying doubles
- Use an ethylene absorber in your fruit and vegetable draw. Ethylene is released by fruit and vegetables and accelerates ripening
- Save meat scraps, put them in the freezer, and use them to make stock
- Vegetable scraps (stalks and tops) can be saved and used to make vegetable stock
- Citrus peel and apple cores can be thrown in some water for a delicious, refreshing beverage
- A juicer is a great way to use up fruit and vegetables that are close to their used-by date
- French toast is a great way to get rid of old bread
- Use overripe bananas to make pancakes or muffins
- Roast pumpkin seeds for a delicious and easy snack
- Cut broccoli stalks into strips and cook them
- Store leftovers properly, in airtight containers or Ziplock bags
- Have a dedicated leftover night to eat leftovers from the week
- Use leftover pasta to make frittatas
- Use leftover rice to make fried rice or biryani
- Have a McGuiver night, where you challenge yourself to cook using only things in your pantry and fridge
- Use leftover vegetables to make soup
- Feed leftover food to your dog instead of dog food