Introduction to Food Waste
Wasted food is a financial and environmental bummer. It costs U.S. consumers $728 every year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, and emits the annual equivalent planet-warming greenhouse gases of 42 coal-fired power plants. Carleigh Bodrug, a cookbook author who emphasizes cooking with plants and low-waste recipes, said she was surprised to learn that homes, rather than restaurants and grocery stores, account for the largest share of food that goes in the garbage — about 35% in 2023, according to ReFed, a nonprofit that seeks to reduce food waste.
The Causes of Food Waste
The environmental impact is compounded because the food goes in the trash only after a long journey in which it’s grown, treated, packed, shipped, prepared and stored. Bodrug notes that people are often busy and do not utilize the food they buy, leading to waste. The good news is that cutting waste is good both for the planet and for every household’s bottom line.
Strategies for Reducing Food Waste
Start before you go to the store
Bodrug suggests making a list before going to the store to prevent buying duplicate items and to cut down on impulse buys. She also advises against buying items that will not be used, such as a bag of seven lemons when only one is needed. Adam Kaye, co-founder and chief culinary officer at Spare Food Co., recommends buying foods that use ingredients that would otherwise be wasted, such as vegetable broth made from surplus produce.
Store that food properly
Proper storage can help extend the life of food. Bodrug recommends storing leafy greens with a paper towel or cloth to absorb moisture, and setting herbs and items with stems in a jar of water. Kaye suggests using the freezer liberally and committing to emptying it regularly. He recommends having a "clean-out-the-fridge-and-freezer" meal night to use up leftover food.
If you think that’s waste, think again
Kaye notes that people often throw away edible parts of food, such as the stalks, stems, and ribs of produce. He recommends using these parts in cooking, such as chopping up parsley and cilantro stems and adding them to dishes. Bodrug also uses scraps to make vegetable stock, which can then be composted.
Recipes that make for less waste — or none at all
Kaye recommends four go-to dishes for using up food before it goes bad: frittata, stir fry, smoothie, and pesto. He notes that pesto can be made from a variety of greens, not just basil. Blenders are also great for using up lumpy fruit and wilting greens. Bodrug recommends using vegetable trimmings, such as cauliflower leaves and broccoli stalks, in fried rice.
Finally, eat at home more
Chef Dan Barber notes that wasting less food requires getting excited about cooking and engaging with the kitchen. He recommends cooking at home and using imagination and effort to transform un-coveted ingredients into something delicious.
Conclusion
Reducing food waste requires a combination of planning, proper storage, and creative cooking. By making a few simple changes to our habits, we can reduce the amount of food that ends up in the trash and make a positive impact on the environment. Whether it’s making a list before going to the store, using up scraps in cooking, or eating at home more often, there are many ways to reduce food waste and make a difference.
FAQs
Q: How much does food waste cost U.S. consumers each year?
A: Food waste costs U.S. consumers $728 every year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Q: What percentage of food waste comes from homes?
A: About 35% of food waste comes from homes, according to ReFed, a nonprofit that seeks to reduce food waste.
Q: How can I reduce food waste in my own kitchen?
A: You can reduce food waste by making a list before going to the store, storing food properly, using up scraps in cooking, and eating at home more often.
Q: What are some creative ways to use up food scraps?
A: Some creative ways to use up food scraps include making vegetable stock, using scraps in pesto or fried rice, and blending up lumpy fruit and wilting greens into smoothies.
Q: Why is reducing food waste important?
A: Reducing food waste is important because it can help reduce the environmental impact of food production, transportation, and storage, and can also save consumers money.
