How do I reduce my food waste?

To help stretch your groceries and wallets, we have put together some quick tips that will help your food last longer, save money and reduce food waste! 

• Moisture speeds up the decaying process. Take produce out of plastic bags and dry or wrap in a tea towel if they are wet. Place in a breathable produce container or your crisper and do not wash until you are ready to eat it.
• Do not rip fruit off stems until you are ready to eat it, this also speeds up decomposition.
• Avoid precut, prewashed produce unless you are going to eat right away as it spoils faster than regular produce.
• Go through your fridge, freezer and pantry every week before you plan your shopping trip and make a list of items that need to get eaten first. Plan a meal using those items.
• If items are going to spoil before you can eat them, place them in the freezer for later use.
• Take a regular inventory of what’s in your fridge. Bring items to the front, don’t let them hide and spoil.
• Eat the most perishable items first (for example raspberries only last a few days while potatoes can last a month if stored in a dry, cool and dark space).
• Buy loose produce only in the amounts you need
• Love your leftovers! Instead of ditching your leftovers, give them a makeover. Get creative. Try looking up recipes that will use up these items before spoiling.

Click on the links below for more information:

• Circular Innovation Council
• Love Food Hate Waste Canada
• Second Harvest: Food Rescue Charity In Canada