1.3 billion tons of food is wasted globally each year… Or more than 200 LBS per PERSON! (yes, you!). How many times do you overestimate how much food you can eat and end up throwing it in the compost (or jawdrop: trash!) Although it’s something we hear again and again, taking less portions is better for your waistline… AND less food for the landfill.  Eating out? Split a meal with your dining partner or set aside half the meal to take home for later.

Assessing your pantry & fridge inventory BEFORE a trip to the grocery store will also save you from buying too much food and help you stick to the bare minimums.

Readers, any other tricks to eat & waste less?

Photo: My Zero waste

array(3) {
  [0]=>
  object(WP_Term)#12731 (10) {
    ["term_id"]=>
    int(1379)
    ["name"]=>
    string(6) "dining"
    ["slug"]=>
    string(6) "dining"
    ["term_group"]=>
    int(0)
    ["term_taxonomy_id"]=>
    int(1389)
    ["taxonomy"]=>
    string(8) "post_tag"
    ["description"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["parent"]=>
    int(0)
    ["count"]=>
    int(3)
    ["filter"]=>
    string(3) "raw"
  }
  [1]=>
  object(WP_Term)#10428 (10) {
    ["term_id"]=>
    int(1575)
    ["name"]=>
    string(10) "food waste"
    ["slug"]=>
    string(10) "food-waste"
    ["term_group"]=>
    int(0)
    ["term_taxonomy_id"]=>
    int(1585)
    ["taxonomy"]=>
    string(8) "post_tag"
    ["description"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["parent"]=>
    int(0)
    ["count"]=>
    int(13)
    ["filter"]=>
    string(3) "raw"
  }
  [2]=>
  object(WP_Term)#10423 (10) {
    ["term_id"]=>
    int(3203)
    ["name"]=>
    string(10) "Quick Tips"
    ["slug"]=>
    string(10) "quick-tips"
    ["term_group"]=>
    int(0)
    ["term_taxonomy_id"]=>
    int(897)
    ["taxonomy"]=>
    string(8) "post_tag"
    ["description"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["parent"]=>
    int(0)
    ["count"]=>
    int(60)
    ["filter"]=>
    string(3) "raw"
  }
}

Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia. View all posts by Julie Hancher