Sometimes, despite our best intentions, we find ourselves wasting food. You might buy a bunch of parsley, intending to use it that night for dinner. Plans change, though—maybe you go out with a friend instead, eat leftovers the following night, and soon your neglected parsley becomes limp and unusable.
Such instances might appear trivial, but collectively, they contribute significantly to food waste. The USDA highlights that over a third of the U.S. food supply remains uneaten. Notably, the EPA reported in 2018 that 40% of this waste originates from consumers and businesses. Given that 38 million Americans face food insecurity, this wastage is distressing and financially imprudent. Environmentally, food waste represents the largest component of landfills in the United States, contributing 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
There’s hope, though. You can contribute to reducing food waste right from your kitchen. Simply Recipes offers insights into zero-waste cooking, effective produce storage, and supporting nonprofits dedicated to combating food waste. It’s not about achieving perfection but making meaningful changes.
Food Writers on Food Waste
Explore tips and stories that guide you in minimizing food waste both at home and beyond.
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Kickstart Your Waste Reduction: Implement simple strategies such as using an "Eat Me First" box and maximizing kitchen scraps, benefiting your wallet and the environment.
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The Legacy of Heloise Bowles Cruse: An early advocate for minimizing food waste through mindful and economical kitchen practices.
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The Truth About Date Labels: Understand the distinction between expiration, best-by, sell-by, and use-by dates to prevent unnecessary waste.
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Supporting Nonprofits: Engage with organizations making substantial impacts in reducing food waste and addressing food insecurity.
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Prolonging Produce Life: Techniques such as vinegar rinses for strawberries or storing herbs like flowers can significantly reduce waste.
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Cookbooks for Waste Reduction: Discover cookbooks that encourage utilizing every part of your ingredients.
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Freezing Leftovers: Learn about the freezer’s potential in tackling food waste, from preserving greens to freezing leftover wine.
- Compost Bins: Transforming food waste into nutrient-rich plant fertilizer offers an eco-friendly solution.
Recipes for Reducing Food Waste
Opt for recipes that utilize the entire fruit or vegetable:
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Whole Banana Bread: A twist on the classic recipe, incorporating whole bananas, peels included.
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Whole Clementine Cake: Incorporates the entire clementine for a rich, citrus-infused dessert.
- Sautéed Fennel with Fennel Fronds: Enjoy all parts of the fennel in one delightful dish.
Ideas for Using Up Odds & Ends
Discover creative ways to use common kitchen leftovers:
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21 Ways to Use Up Greens: Freshen up your meals with innovative uses for spinach, kale, and more.
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15 Ways to Use Stale Bread: Transform stale bread into croutons, breadcrumbs, and beyond.
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12 Recipes for Buttermilk: Leverage buttermilk’s tangy flavor in diverse culinary creations.
- 10 Easy Potato Recipes: From sweet to Russet, explore versatile recipes that make potatoes the star of any dish.
By incorporating these strategies and recipes, you’ll not only reduce food waste but also contribute positively to the environment and your community.
