Saving money and reducing food waste go hand in hand. By planning ahead and making better use of your food, you can both lower your food costs and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. Here are some of Hannes’ smart tips that can help your food last longer and reduce unnecessary waste.
1. Buy in bulk and freeze food
Buying food in larger packages is usually cheaper. Divide the food into smaller portions and freeze what you won’t use right away. That way, the food will last longer, and you won’t have to throw away food that’s gone bad.
2. Save vegetables—make broth and freeze it
Instead of throwing away vegetable scraps, you can collect them in a bag in the freezer. When you have enough, you can make a delicious and nutritious broth. Pour the broth into ice cube trays and freeze it—perfect for taking out and using in soups and stews.
3. Plan your shopping
Write a shopping list before you go shopping and stick to it. Avoid impulse buys and make sure to buy food that you know you’ll use.
4. Store Food Properly
Learn how to store different foods so they stay fresh longer. For example, root vegetables keep best in a cool, dark place, while herbs can be kept in a glass of water in the refrigerator.
5. Make the most of leftovers
Cook with leftovers instead of throwing them away. A piece of meat or some vegetables can be turned into a tasty stew, soup, or pasta sauce.
6. Freeze leftovers
If you cook too much food, freeze it in portions instead of letting it go bad in the fridge. Perfect for a stressful day when you don’t have time to cook from scratch.
7. The date stamp is a guideline
“Best before” does not mean that the food is automatically spoiled after that date. Smell and taste it before throwing away anything that may still be perfectly edible.
By using these simple tips, you can save money and help the environment at the same time. Good luck!