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5 Awesome Ways to Reduce Food Waste

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From unused leftovers to wasted produce to parts of vegetables or fruit that could be eaten or repurposed, many of us don’t realize just how much food we throw away each day. Reducing food loss and waste is one of the easiest and most significant actions we can take in a world where millions of people go hungry every day.

Below are some ways to prevent wasted food at home:

  1. Properly store food. Be sure your refrigerator is working optimally, set it to the appropriate temperature and use the produce drawers to control the humidity. 
  2. Be creative with leftovers instead of letting them spoil. Leftover grilled chicken from dinner can be chopped up and used to make a chicken salad sandwich for lunch. Here's one of our favorite chicken salad recipes. Store leftovers in clear containers -- you are more likely to eat what you can see. Or, if you can’t finish leftovers, freeze, and label them in airtight containers. Learn about some of our favorite food storage containers.
  3. Plan. Before grocery shopping, take inventory of what’s already in your pantry and refrigerator, and be sure to shop with a grocery list. Do your best to prepare your meals ahead of time – it will help make your weekday lunches and evenings more relaxing.
  4. Buy “ugly” foods. Imperfect produce may not look the most appealing externally, but it is just as safe and nutritious and can sometimes be found at a discounted price.
  5. Use all parts of your produce. Carrot tops can be turned into a delicious pesto. Vegetable scraps and peels can be turned into a vegetable stock for later use. Stale bread can be turned into croutons or used in an egg strata. Fruits that feel mushy, like blueberries and bananas, can be incorporated into a smoothie or baked good. Here's a delicious smoothie recipe to try.

Help your food go further and reduce your carbon footprint!


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