Food Waste Buying Guide

According to the United Nations, approximately one-third of all food produced in the world is wasted each year. That's a staggering statistic, and it's one that has prompted many people to start thinking more seriously about reducing their own food waste.

One of the easiest ways to reduce food waste is to be more mindful about the food you buy. By making smart purchasing decisions, you can help prevent food from going to waste in your own home, and you can also support companies that are committed to reducing waste themselves.

Here are some tips for reducing your food waste when you're at the grocery store:

Buy only what you need

The most obvious way to reduce your food waste is to buy only what you need. This requires a little bit of planning, but it's not difficult to do. Before you head to the grocery store, make a list of the things you need for the week. Stick to the list when you're at the store, and resist the temptation to buy things that aren't on it. It's also a good idea to check the expiration dates on perishable items, to make sure they'll last until you're ready to use them.

Buy in bulk wisely

Buying in bulk can be a great way to save money, but if you're not careful, it can also lead to a lot of waste. Before you load up on bulk items, think carefully about whether you'll actually use them. If you're buying something that has a long shelf life and that you know you'll consume regularly (e.g., rice, pasta, or canned goods), buying in bulk can be a smart choice. But if you're buying something that's perishable or that you don't consume often (e.g., fresh produce or specialty items), it's best to buy only what you need.

Choose packaged produce selectively

Many grocery stores sell produce that's already packaged, such as bags of apples or pre-cut vegetables. While these convenience items can be tempting, they often come with a higher price tag than un-packaged produce, and they can also contribute to food waste. When you're choosing packaged produce, be selective. If you're buying something that will stay fresh for a relatively long time (e.g., apples or carrots), it can be a good choice. But if you're buying something that's more delicate (e.g., berries or spinach), it's best to choose un-packaged produce instead.

Support companies that prioritize sustainability

As consumers become more aware of the impact of food waste, many companies are starting to prioritize sustainable practices themselves. Look for companies that are committed to reducing waste, and choose their products whenever possible. For example, some companies have started using "ugly" produce (i.e., produce that's perfectly good to eat but that might not meet traditional aesthetic standards) to make their products. By supporting companies that prioritize sustainability, you can help make a difference in the fight against food waste.

Don't be swayed by expiration dates

Expiration dates can be misleading. Just because a product has reached its expiration date doesn't necessarily mean it's no longer safe to eat. In fact, many products are still perfectly safe to consume for several days (or even weeks) after their expiration date has passed. Use your own judgement when deciding whether to consume a product that's past its expiration date. Look for signs of spoilage (e.g., unusual smells or colors), and trust your instincts.

Avoid over-packaged items

As consumers become more aware of the impact of packaging waste, many grocery stores are starting to offer more eco-friendly options. When you're at the grocery store, choose items that are minimally packaged. For example, buy loose produce instead of pre-packaged containers, and choose items that come in recyclable packaging whenever possible. By reducing your consumption of over-packaged items, you can help reduce waste and support sustainable practices.

The bottom line

Reducing food waste is an important issue, and it's one that we can all contribute to in our own small way. By being more mindful about the food we buy, we can help prevent food from going to waste, and we can also support companies that are committed to reducing waste themselves. With a little bit of planning and a few smart purchasing decisions, we can all make a difference.

Additional Tips for Reducing Food Waste:

Store food properly

Proper storage of food is essential to prevent spoilage and waste. Make sure to store perishable items such as dairy, meat, and produce in the refrigerator at the appropriate temperature. Use storage containers that are airtight and keep the food in its original packaging for as long as possible. Additionally, freeze any excess food that won't be consumed within a few days to prolong its shelf life.

Plan meals ahead of time

One effective way to reduce food waste is to plan meals ahead of time. Take a few minutes each week to plan out what you will be eating and create a grocery list based on those meals. This will help ensure that you only buy what you need and reduce the likelihood of buying excess food that will go to waste.

Utilize leftover food

Leftover food is a common source of waste, but it doesn't have to be. Instead of throwing away leftovers, incorporate them into future meals. Turn leftover rice into a stir-fry or use leftover vegetables in a soup or salad. Get creative and find ways to utilize leftovers to reduce waste and save money.

Buy imperfect produce

Imperfect produce, which may have unusual shapes or blemishes but is still perfectly edible, is often discarded by farmers or grocery stores. Buying imperfect produce not only supports sustainable and ethical farming practices but also helps reduce food waste. Look for Imperfect Foods or Misfits Market, which offers home delivery of produce products that have flaws.

Compost food scraps

Composting food scraps is a great way to reduce waste while benefiting the environment. Composting breaks down organic material such as food scraps and yard waste, creating nutrient-rich soil that can be used to fertilize plants. Several cities offer composting services or pick up composting waste. Consider starting a compost bin at home or contacting a local community garden or farm to donate your compost.

Conclusion

Reducing food waste is an important effort that requires everyone's participation. By being mindful of the food we buy and taking steps to reduce waste, we can make a significant impact on the environment and support sustainable food practices. Use this food waste buying guide as a reference guide and continue to educate yourself on ways to reduce your impact on the environment.