The average household throws away a surprising amount of food, and most of it is avoidable. The USDA estimates that a large share of the U.S. food supply goes uneaten. The good news is that a few habits make a real difference.
Plan and shop with intention
Plan meals before you shop and buy only what you will use. A short list keeps impulse buys, and the spoilage that follows, in check.
Understand date labels
Date labels cause a lot of needless waste. According to the USDA, with the exception of infant formula, dates like “best by” are about quality, not safety, and food is often fine afterward if stored properly. Trust your eyes and nose.
Store food well and use leftovers
Learn where each food keeps best, use airtight containers, and freeze extras before they turn. Build a habit of cooking with what you already have. For ten more ideas, see our top tips for reducing food waste.
Compost the rest
Some scraps are unavoidable, like peels and coffee grounds. Composting keeps those out of the landfill. If you are in New Jersey, sign up for free pickup with Torus.