NRDC: Americans Waste 40 Percent of Their Food, Up to $189 a Month
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| By: Irish_Eyes, mornuefile.com |
The report cites several factors that cause of U.S. food waste in the home: Over preparation, confusion about label dates, spoilage, bulk purchases, poor planning and undervaluing of foods. If we reduced food loss by 15 percent, it would be enough to feed more than 25 million Americans a year--and save families hundreds of dollars. So we thought we'd share a few tips on how you can reduce your waste, impact and bill.
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| Miami New Times |
Problem: Confusion over Label Dates
Solution: Get Educated
Guess what, "Use by" and "best by" dates are manufacturer suggestions for peak quality. They do not indicate food safety, as is commonly believed, nor are they regulated. There are a few, rare, exceptions to this, such as instant formula, so do some research on the foods you commonly purchase.
Problem: Spoilage
Solutions: Better Storage + Repurposing Your Food
First try to follow a few general rules for food storage to prevent spoilage: don't store fruits and vegetables together, remove ties and rubber bands, cut extra greens and research which fruits are stored on the counter vs. the fridge. Before your food spoils beyond repair repurpose it into something for later, and toss it into the freezer. Some common ways to do this are making stock with leftover veggies, making salsas and sauces, smoothies, croutons with stale bread and mini empanadas with any extra meat. The basic rule with this method, is don't throw anything away. Store it, freeze it, and label it for later.
Problem: Bulk Purchases
Solution: Package into Single Servings
The sales at big bulk stores can be tempting, so if you find yourself with a gallon of hummus, your best bet is to portion it out into individual serving packs (think cheap Tupperware from Family Dollar). Keep a week's worth in the fridge so you'll actually use it, then toss the rest in the freezer. This works well for chicken, veggies and fruits as well.
Problem: Poor Planning
Solution: Create Meal and Shopping Lists
Plan your meals for the week with Recipematcher.com. The site offers a search by ingredient function so you can type in an item that is about to go bad to serve as the base of your meal. Once you have your week's food planned, create a detailed list of supplies you'll need and do not deviate. If you feel like you're walking into a maze at the grocery store, try using Publix's online shopping list which will sort out all the items into the rows at whichever Publix you select, so you won't have to go back and repeat any aisles.
Problem: Lack of Awareness/ Undervaluing of Foods
Solution: Volunteer with Slow Food
According to the NDRC, "cheap and available food has created behaviors that do not place high value on utilizing what is purchased. As a result, the issue of wasted food is simply not on the radar of many Americans, even those who consider themselves environment- or cost-conscious." Get the issue on your radar by joining forces with a nonprofit organization like Slow Food Miami who works to support the local community and raise funds to build local school and community gardens. Their annual members meeting will be Wednesday, September 12, 6 to 8 p.m. at Fairchild Gardens, join their mailing list for up to date time and ticket info.
Follow Short Order on Facebook and Twitter @Short_Order.
Location Info
Venue
Map
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL
Category: General
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