Categories: Quick Tips

Friday Quickie: Avoid Losing 40% (or $1300) in Wasted Food

40% of the food in the US is never eaten and thrown away, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council in a report released this week. This breaks down to 20+ lbs per person per month, 25% of the groceries purchased & wasting an estimated $1300-$2300 for a family of 4 annually.

How can you waste less food?

  • Repackage & freeze food as soon as you make it – for a quick meal at a later date.
  • Store meal leftovers immediately after eating and have a quick lunch ready for the next day!
  • Preserve fresh fruits & veggies you won’t get to eating in time (especially if you’re in a CSA.)
  • Use the food in your pantry first! (I’m moving soon and having an ‘eating’ challenge, making creative meals out of fresh CSA produce & stuff that’s sitting on my pantry. Try this year-round!)
  • In a creative slump? Recipe apps (like Whole Foods) ask what ingredients you already have.

 

Photo: Civil Eats

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Illegal dumping consequences, EPA stops protecting environment, new dumpsters, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  City ordinance to impound cars of illegal dumpers.…

3 days ago

Eco-Explainer: What is the Difference Between a Heat Advisory and a Heat Warning?

Feeling the heat? Learn how heat alerts can help you beat it and protect your…

4 days ago

How Erica Brown leads young people to “Sunrise” in the fight for climate justice

The Sunrise Philly Director shares her vision, challenges, and what keeps her going in the…

5 days ago

No more stopping in bike lanes, enviro groups sue over toxic chemical, and how public spaces contribute to thriving democracies

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Stopping in bike lanes now ticketed. PPA began…

1 week ago

Got to go? PHLASK helps you find public restrooms & water fountains in Philly

An app created to help users find drinking water in the city has expanded to…

2 weeks ago

A secret green space in the Delaware River? Meet Petty’s Island

Once home to oil refineries, this island is off-limit to (most) humans and now a…

2 weeks ago