Hey eco-conscious folks! Being a student on a tight budget doesn’t mean you can’t contribute to the environment. In fact, going green can actually be a savvy financial decision.
As a student, there are plenty of simple yet effective ways you can help the environment, such as recycling, buying second-hand, opting for public transportation instead of private vehicles, or reducing water consumption.
However, one of the most impactful actions you can take is tackling food waste!
Why is food waste such a significant issue?
Food waste ranks among the top contributors to global pollution. Surprisingly, nearly one-third of all food produced for human consumption is wasted annually, accounting for approximately 8% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. This waste not only harms the environment but also squanders valuable natural resources. Consider this: agricultural production requires extensive natural resources, with about half of the world’s land and a whopping 70% of its freshwater dedicated to farming. For instance, producing just one kilogram of beef demands a staggering 15,400 litres of water!
While a considerable portion of food waste occurs during production and transportation, individuals can make a significant impact through proper handling and storage at home. Regrettably, students and young adults aged 18-34 are the biggest culprits in food waste, likely due to a lack of knowledge or awareness about effective food management and storage practices.
Reducing food waste isn’t solely an environmental concern; it also has financial benefits. Studies indicate that individuals can save an average of $746 per person per year by minimizing food waste. Over a four-year education, these savings amount to nearly $3000! Therefore, cutting down on food waste not only benefits the planet but also improves your financial bottom line.
What are the best ways to reduce food waste? Here are our 9 suggestions
Meal Planning and Smart Shopping
The main reason we waste food at home is often because we buy too much or let perishables go bad. Planning meals can really help with this. By taking a few minutes each week to plan meals, you can make a shopping list of exactly what you need, so you only buy what you’ll use. When you plan, try to use the ingredients you already have to prevent waste.
Also, be aware of expiration dates while you’re shopping. Instead of always grabbing items from the front of the shelf, take a moment to check for products with the latest expiration dates. This simple habit can help reduce the chances of food going bad before you have a chance to use it.
Proper Storage and Preservation Techniques
Proper storage is crucial for extending the shelf life of food items. For instance, storing fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator can help slow down their ripening process and prevent spoilage. Similarly, storing grains, nuts, and seeds in airtight containers can protect them from pests and moisture, preserving their freshness.
Furthermore, consider utilizing preservation techniques such as freezing, canning, or pickling to prolong the life of perishable foods. For example, if you have excess produce that you won’t be able to consume before it spoils, consider freezing it for later use in soups, smoothies, or stir-fries. By taking proactive steps to preserve food, you can significantly reduce waste and save money in the long run.
Creative Cooking and Leftover Utilization
Gettin’ creative in the kitchen can really help cut back on food waste. Instead of tossin’ out stuff that’s a bit imperfect or left over, try findin’ fun ways to use ’em in your meals. Like, you can revive wilted veggies in soups or stews, and turn stale bread into breadcrumbs or croutons.
Also, think about usin’ the whole plant when you cook, not just the usual parts. For example, you can use carrot tops to make pesto and grate broccoli stems to add to slaws or stir-fries. By gettin’ adventurous with your cookin’, you’ll not only cut down on food waste but also find new flavours and culinary experiences.
Portion Control and Proper Serving Sizes
Lots of us tend to dish out too much food for ourselves, which ends up getting thrown away uneaten. Keeping an eye on portion sizes doesn’t just cut down on waste, it also helps us eat better. Start by dishing out smaller portions and encouraging your family to take only what they can eat. If you’re still hungry, you can always go back for seconds.
Also, think about using smaller plates and bowls, since studies show that bigger dishes can lead to overeating. By paying attention to how much we eat, we can cut down on food waste, save money, and stay healthy.
Donate Surplus Food
Instead of letting excess food go to waste, consider donating it to those in need. Many communities have food banks, shelters, and other charitable organizations that accept donations of perishable and non-perishable food items. Before donating, ensure that the food is still safe to eat and that it meets the organization’s guidelines.
Non-perishable items such as canned goods, grains, and dried fruits are typically welcome donations, but some organizations also accept fresh produce and prepared meals. By donating surplus food, you can help alleviate hunger in your community and ensure that edible food doesn’t end up in the landfill.
Composting Organic Waste
Not all food waste can be prevented or donated, but it can still be diverted from landfills through composting. Composting is a natural process that transforms organic waste into a nutrient-rich soil conditioner, which can be used to enrich gardens, lawns, and potted plants.
One convenient way to compost is by using the Hass Thailand electric composter. Collect food scraps such as fruit and vegetable peels from your detox juice, coffee grounds, eggshells, and leftover grains, and place them in the composter. Add some yard waste such as grass clippings, leaves, and twigs to balance the mixture and facilitate decomposition. With time and minimal effort, the organic material will break down into compost, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and closing the loop on the food cycle.
Buy “Ugly” Foods
Embrace imperfection by purchasing misshapen or oddly shaped fruits and vegetables. Companies now offer convenient monthly subscriptions for “ugly” produce, or you can establish a relationship with local farmers through community-supported agriculture or farmers markets. Just make sure to avoid buying bruised or spoiled produce to get the most out of your purchase.
Learn How to Read Expiration Dates
Expiration dates can be misleading, contributing to approximately 20% of global food waste. Many consumers discard food based on expiration labels, even though it’s often still perfectly fine to eat. While “use by” dates are important to follow, “best before” dates allow for a wider margin of error. Trust your common sense and use your senses to assess whether an item has truly expired. Learning how to decipher expiration dates can help you avoid unnecessary waste.
Prevent Food Waste at the Source and Supply Chain
Food waste begins at production and continues throughout the supply chain until consumption. In the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, significant percentages of fruits, vegetables, and seafood are lost at various stages. For instance, 20% of fruits and vegetables are lost during production, 12% at distribution and retail, and 28% at the consumer level.
Similarly, in seafood, percentages of loss occur at each stage, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions. Restaurants can reduce waste by purchasing in line with daily sales and ensuring proper storage practices. Maintaining the correct temperature slows bacterial growth, extending the longevity of food and minimizing waste.
Food waste: the essential takeaway
When it comes to food waste, there’s no room for excuses. There are numerous ways you can minimize, repurpose, process, and recycle your food leftovers to benefit both the environment and your community. While it might require some planning and changes to your shopping, cooking, and eating habits, your wallet and the planet will ultimately reap the rewards.
