How To Avoid Food Wastage: 7 Easy Ways To Reduce Food Waste And Save Money

There is no denying the fact that food waste is a worldwide epidemic. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, about 1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted every year. In order to improve this situation, it is imperative to minimise waste and make informed food choices. Doing so could even add up to significant savings; food costs money and when food goes in the trash, money goes in the trash as well. Here are smart and simple ways that will help minimise food wastage at home and will ultimately save your hard-earned money.

Here's How You Can Avoid Food Wastage:

1. Use Up The Leftovers

If you often spot food leftovers lying in the fridge, this one's for you. Food leftovers can be easily transformed into delectable dishes. Be it salads, sandwiches or rolls, there are a variety of dishes that can be used as a stuffing/filling in these dishes. Here are 5 tasty dishes that you can prepare using leftover food.

 _{Food leftovers can be easily transformed into delectable dishes}

2. Learn The Label Lingo

There are times when we often end up discarding food items because of their expiry date. One should inculcate the habit of reading food labels while doing the grocery shopping. The 'manufacturing' and 'expiry' date of the food item would give you a fair idea about the shelf life of the product; hence, you are most likely to use them accordingly.

_{One should inculcate the habit of reading food labels while doing the grocery shopping}

3. Be Quirky With Fruits And Vegetables

Coming to fruits and vegetables, one can be as quirky as it can get. If the fruits lying at home have become soft and soggy, you can turn them into smoothies and shakes. Apart from this, you can use them for beauty purposes as well. Vegetables that are close to wilting can be made into soup or can also be baked.

(Also Read: Smoothies Vs Milkshake: What's Your Choice?)

_{Coming to fruits and vegetables, one can be as quirky as it can get}

4. Check The Refrigerator's Temperature

Since most of the food items are kept in the fridge for storage, it is important to keep a check on the refrigerator's temperature. An ideal healthy temperature between 1 and 5 degrees Celsius should be maintained for maximum freshness. Extreme temperatures may possibly lead to early spoilage of food items.

 _{It is important to keep a check on the refrigerator's temperature}

5. Shop With A List And Stick To It

While in a grocery store, there are times when we often end up adding things to our shopping cart only because they look too enticing and promising. Little do we know that they are not really going to make any difference in our lives and would only be left to spoil with course of time. Hence, it is important to always shop with a list of things that are actually required and one should try and stick to it. Don't bring home anything that doesn't have a purpose.

_{It is important to always shop with a list of things}

6. Proper Storage

Never underestimate the potential of proper storage. Foods stored in their designated storage place can last for a much longer time. For instance, onions, potatoes, bananas, apples, garlic etc. are best stored at room temperature.

_{Never underestimate the potential of proper storage}

7. Practice FIFO

FIFO stands for 'First In, First Out'. Once you are done with the grocery shopping, play smart and practice FIFO. When unpacking grocery items, move older products to the front of the pantry or freezer and place new products in the back.

_{FIFO stands for 'First In, First Out'}

Now, that we've shared with you some handy tips to avoid food wastage, bring them to your rescue and save money!