At Flora and Fauna, we're passionate about living sustainably and we know you are too, and reducing food waste is a huge part of that. Not only does it help the planet, but it also saves you money and supports a more ethical food system.
Here’s our top tips for reducing food waste in your kitchen
- Plan Like a Pro: Take a few minutes each week to plan out your meals. Check what you already have in your pantry and fridge, and then jot down what you need to buy. This simple step helps you avoid buying more than you need and ensures that everything gets used up before it goes bad.
- Love Your Leftovers: Leftovers are the unsung heroes of the kitchen! Instead of tossing them in the bin, give them a delicious makeover. Get creative with stir-fries, salads, or hearty soups. Not only will you save food, but you'll also save time and effort on cooking from scratch every day.
- Befriend Your Freezer: Your freezer is so useful for preventing food waste. When you've got surplus veggies, fruit, or cooked meals, pop them in the freezer for later. Just make sure to label and date everything, so you don't forget what's in there.
- Master the Art of Batch Cooking: Batch cooking is a game-changer for busy lives. Set aside some time on the weekend to whip up big batches of your favorite meals. Split them out into containers and pop them in the freezer for quick and easy meals throughout the week.
- Shop Smarter: When you visit the shops, resist the urge to overbuy. Make a shopping list and stick to it like glue. If you're not sure if you'll use something before it spoils, opt for smaller quantities or buy in bulk with friends to share.
- Embrace Ugly Veges: Forget about perfectly shaped produce – ugly veges are where it's at! Give those odd-shaped fruits and veggies some love and embrace their quirky charm. They taste just as delicious and help reduce food waste by giving imperfect produce a home.
- Learn How to Preserve: Scored some fresh produce from your garden or local market? Don't let it go to waste! Get busy preserving the harvest by canning, pickling, or making jams and chutneys. Not only will you savor the flavors all year round, but you'll also cut down on food waste in the process.
- Know Your Expiry Dates: Expiry dates are your best friend when it comes to preventing food waste. Take a quick peek in your pantry and fridge regularly to check for items nearing their expiry dates. Use them up or get creative with recipes to avoid any unnecessary waste.
- Share the Love: Sharing is caring, especially when it comes to food! If you've got surplus food that you can't use up, why not share it with friends, family, or neighbours? You'll reduce waste and spread a little joy at the same time.
- Start composting: Sometimes food waste can't be avoided - enter... composting! And the beauty of these easy composting home kits, like the bestselling Bokashi and Urban Composter, is that they keep more food out of landfill, turning it into healthy fertiliser for your plants. It's a win-win.
There you have it, our best easy-peasy tips for reducing food waste and making a positive impact on the planet. Every little bit count - with a little creativity and a whole lot of love, we can make a world of difference, one meal at a time.
