How can we reduce food waste?

A quick follow up...

I've been reading over my posts so far and realised I've got off to a rather downbeat start.  Of course there are plenty of depressing things to focus on, but I'm sure anyone visiting this forum also wants to know how they can help as well as what's wrong in the first place.

So as a follow up to my post 'What's wrong with waste?'  I want to give a few thoughts on how to cut down.

In my experience, there are many simple ways to reduce waste, and most of them start in the supermarket. Try planning the week’s meals and writing a list of ingredients - this can help avoid impulse purchases which only end up in the bin.


Also bear in mind the difference between ‘best-before’ and ‘use-by’ – best-before dates are just a guide and food is usually in an acceptable condition for some time after this date. Try and avoid ‘2-for-1’ offers unless you would genuinely buy and eat two of them without the offer.

When buying fruit and vegetables, consider buying those with an odd shape; there is a good chance no one else will buy these ones, so snapping them up can help reduce supermarket waste.

Finally, we’ve heard it before but try not to shop on an empty stomach, which can make the most unlikely items seem appealing. Shop when you are full, with your sensible head on. It’ll save you time, money and maybe a few inches off your waist.

Once the food is home, make a mental (or physical) note of what is in the fridge so forgotten items don’t rot in the back.

Freeze what you can: most foods will keep almost indefinitely this way (but regularly check what’s in there). Plan to have meals involving easily-perishable goods (such as salad) early in the week and save frozen meals until everything in the fridge has gone.

Finally, as nice as it is, try not to eat out too often. Restaurants often serve enormous portions which end up going to waste.

Hmmm... I've just checked my fridge and found a couple of mouldy peppers in the back.  Oops.