Every family knows the struggle of dealing with leftover food. The untouched meals, the forgotten vegetables in the fridge drawer and the bread that’s just turned stale - it all adds up! While these situations are frustrating, they’re more than just a nuisance. Food waste has a significant environmental impact, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and the loss of valuable resources used to produce, transport and package the food. With a bit of planning and a few simple strategies, your family can make a big difference in reducing food waste, saving money and adopting sustainable habits that benefit both your household and the planet. Let’s dive in!
PLAN YOUR MEALS AHEAD
One of the simplest ways to minimise food waste is to start with a plan. It may sound simple, but before you do your weekly shop, take time to map out your family’s meals and snacks. Knowing exactly what you’ll need for each day will prevent you from buying items that end up sitting unused at the back of the fridge.
Write out a meal plan that includes breakfasts, lunches, dinners and even the little bits in between, like school snacks or after-dinner treats. Involve the whole family in this process if you can, so nothing gets missed and you’re less likely to have unappetising leftovers. It can also be good to check what ingredients you already have at home before making your list. Planning around what’s already in your pantry or fridge can help you use up items before they spoil and avoid unnecessary purchases. We’ve all bought something, only to find an unopened can or packet of it in the back of the cupboard!
TRY AN ‘EAT ME FIRST’ BOX
This story is from the October 2024 edition of Mother, Baby & Child.
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This story is from the October 2024 edition of Mother, Baby & Child.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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