Managing Food Waste: Tips and Recipes
It’s a situation many of us can relate to: buying a fresh bunch of parsley with every intention of using it for dinner, only to end up dining out with a friend instead. The next night is leftovers, then your kids request homemade pizza. Before you know it, your parsley has wilted away, and you’re tossing it in the trash.
While this might seem trivial, small instances of food waste accumulate. According to the USDA, over a third of the U.S. food supply goes uneaten. In 2018, the EPA reported that 40% of U.S. food waste originated from consumers and businesses like restaurants and grocery stores. This is particularly concerning considering that 38 million people in the country are facing food insecurity. Discarding food not only wastes money but also harms the environment. The EPA states that, as of 2021, food waste is the largest contributor to landfills in the U.S., and globally, food waste accounts for 8-10% of greenhouse gas emissions.
The positive news is that individual efforts can lead to significant changes. At Simply Recipes, we’re committed to showing you simple strategies to reduce food waste at home, from zero-waste recipes and proper produce storage techniques to supporting organizations working to reduce food waste on a national level. This isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about making meaningful efforts. —Ariel Knutson, Associate Editorial Director.
Food Storage and Sustainability Tips
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Reducing Food Waste: Begin at home with simple steps like creating an "Eat Me First" box and fully utilizing your kitchen scraps. As Su-Jit Lin says, "Your wallet and the planet will thank you."
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Understanding Food Labels: Familiarizing yourself with expiration, best-by, sell-by, and use-by dates can prevent unnecessary waste. Su-Jit Lin reminds us, "Printed dates may not be set in stone."
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Supporting Nonprofits: Make an impact beyond your kitchen by supporting nonprofits combatting food waste on a larger scale. As Laurel Randolph mentions, these organizations share a mission to reduce food waste while providing for the hungry.
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Proper Produce Storage: Learn the best ways to extend the life of your produce. For instance, a vinegar rinse can help your strawberries last longer, while herbs can stay fresh in water like cut flowers.
- Smart Recipe Choices: Opt for low-waste recipes. Cookbooks focusing on maximizing the use of peels, seeds, roots, and stems help prevent waste.
Ideas for Utilizing Leftovers
- Greens, Bread, Buttermilk, and Potatoes: Transform these common leftovers into delicious dishes. From using greens in soups and pizzas to repurposing stale bread in croutons and breadcrumbs, there are abundant ways to ensure nothing goes to waste.
By taking these steps, you not only contribute to sustainability but also enhance your culinary skills and save money. Embrace a zero-waste kitchen mentality and make every ingredient count.
