According to statistics, the average American produces 4.4 pounds of waste every day. A lot of this waste comes from the kitchen. This is because people buy or cook more than they need and they end up throwing out food. If you’re trying to reduce waste in the home, the kitchen is the perfect place to start. The main culprit will obviously be the food. Here are some tips that will come in handy if you’re trying to reduce waste in the kitchen.
Cook Variety in Bulk
It is understandable that you might not have the time to cook. Instead of cooking every day, you can set aside a day over the weekend to cook different meals. You can try out different meals. One of the ways you can ensure that you’re cooking only what is necessary is by using an instant pot. Meals that usually take hours can be prepared in minutes. This means you will be using less energy in meal preparation. You also get to preserve the nutrients and taste. There are recipes I found on Corrie Cooks which you can try out if you’re looking for a tasty variety.
Buy in Bulk
Besides cooking in bulk, you should also be buying food in bulk. This will save you money in the long run. Make sure you only buy food that you intend to eat as you don’t want it to stay in the refrigerator longer than it is supposed to. Buying in bulk will also reduce waste in packaging and will save you additional costs.
Bring Your Bags
Plastic bags are everywhere, which is not good for the environment. You can bring your own bags every time you go shopping. If you have plastic bags at home, make sure you bring them with you every time you go shopping.
Only Buy What You Need
We live in a time when you can get anything that you want. That means you could be buying things even when they’re not necessary. Only buy what you need, and this especially applies to food items. Never go shopping when you’re hungry or emotional as you might end up buying what you don’t need. That is why having a meal plan is crucial since you will only be spending on what is lacking or needed. Make sure you take your family needs into consideration when you’re out shopping.
Food Storage
Food should be stored in reusable containers. Most people are used to plastic wraps which shouldn’t be the case. You can think of alternatives such as reusable wraps, jars, and containers.
Growing Your Own Food
This is an option you should seriously consider if you’re serious about sustainability and reducing waste at home. When you grow your own food, you’re more responsible and will be mindful of the wastage. There is almost no waste when you grow your own food and you’re guaranteed fresh produce which is something that is uncommon in this age of processed foods.
Preserve Food
Food preservation will depend on how it is prepared. You don’t want to be using a lot of spices during preparation. If you’re concerned about preserving the taste and nutrients, you should consider buying an instant pot. It retains up to 90% of the nutrients and you can store the food for a week without going bad. Canning, freezing, and dehydrating are some of the popular ways of preserving food at home. You get to keep food longer instead of throwing it away which is the option that a lot of people opt for.
Donate
You shouldn’t throw away food when there is someone that is in need. There are shelters in every city when additional food is always needed. If you find yourself having extra than you need, you can go online and search for places that you can donate. Your neighbor could also appreciate a good meal. It is a nice gesture and they also get to know about your cooking skills. Don’t be surprised when you start getting invited to neighborhood parties frequently.
Recycle
This is one of the most effective ways of minimizing waste in the kitchen. Most food packaging products can be recycled. There is always something they can be used for and all it takes is for you to be creative. Carton recycling is something that is available for more than 62% of homes in the United States. You can check if curbside carton recycling is available in your area.
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