We’ve all been there: You buy a fresh bunch of parsley with the intention of using it for dinner, but plans change and it ends up neglected in the fridge, eventually turning brown and slimy. Small incidents like this contribute to a much larger issue. Over one-third of the food supply in the United States goes uneaten, according to the USDA. Moreover, in 2018 the EPA stated that 40% of all food waste in the U.S. comes from consumers and consumer-facing businesses. Wasting food not only harms our pockets, but it also damages the environment. As of 2021, food waste is the most common material found in U.S. landfills. Globally, wasted food accounts for 8 to 10 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions.
But there’s good news: you can make a difference. Here at Simply Recipes, we’re going to show you how to actively combat food waste at home. We’ll guide you through creating zero-waste recipes, teaching better ways to store produce, and endorsing nonprofits that are working hard to reduce food waste.
We’ll introduce you to various food writers who provide practical advice, such as creating an “Eat Me First” box and making the most out of your kitchen scraps. We’ll dive into the world of eco-friendly kitchens, asking you to consider a compost bin for your food waste. And we’ll discover brilliant zero-waste recipe ideas so that nothing ends up in the trash can.
Improving handling and usage of food in our kitchens is entirely feasible. Not to mention, your finances and our planet would certainly thank you for it. As our Associate Editorial Director, Ariel Knutson, rightly puts it: “This isn’t about perfection, it’s about doing what we can.
