This topic is not exactly plastic-centered, but it is relevant. The first thing is to not feel guilty for purchasing food in plastic. Right now, most of us have very limited options for plastic-free food, and I would rather you eat than not buy that bag of cucumbers because it comes in plastic. After spending over 4.5 hours cleaning and washing out the fridge at my folks’, I saw the insane amount of food waste they had (& have). That’s not to say that I don’t throw things out, but I do my best not to do so. Here are some tips on how to minimize food waste. Now, I realize that times are different, people are stockpiling items, etc. While there is nothing really wrong with that, there is if the food goes bad and/or isn’t stored properly.

Freeze It!

You can freeze items like bread, butter, milk, meat, soups and stews, stocks, etc. I highly recommend that you take the food you have and freeze it if (1) It can freeze and (2) You aren’t planning on using it right away. Food items, such as fruit, can be tossed in the freezer for future use in jams, ice cream, and smoothies. Freezing can save you money, since the food won’t go bad unless it becomes freezer-burned. When freezing in mason jars (be sure the glass is freezer-safe) leave some space at the top since the food will likely expand.

Buy What You Need

A big problem is that our eyes can be bigger than our stomachs. Over-purchasing, especially fresh foods, can lead to food waste. If you aren’t planning on making meals ahead or freezing some food for the future, take inventory and only buy what you need. Buying what you need will save on waste and space.

Store Food Properly

One way to make sure your goods don’t spoil quite as fast is to store them the best way for each item. Some produce does not need the fridge, some shouldn’t be stored with each other or the rotting process will be sped up, and dry goods shouldn’t be in direct sun. You may want to put dry goods into alternative storage (i.e. plastic barrels or mason jars) to (1) Be able to better check for bugs and (2) Keep them from critters. Depending on your situation, this may not be ideal, but if you have a rodent or bug problem, this will help keep them out of your food.

Get Creative and Plan Ahead

One way to limit food waste is to try out some new recipes or techniques. Dehydrating food is one way to keep food from spoiling. You can add dehydrated fruit and vegetables to cookies, crackers, cakes, etc. Drying out food completely will allow you to grind it up into powders. Kimchi, sauerkraut, mushrooms, and corn make tasty additions to homemade popcorn or chips. Make your own soup stock powder, furikake, or seasoning mix. Fruit powders can add color and flavor to your favorite desserts and baked goods. You can also plan ahead, make a list of what you will need, and stick to the list. If you need inspiration, there are tons of budget-friendly recipes, with limited ingredients, that are nutrient-dense.

Hopefully this helped you a bit. Let me know your food-saving tips in the comments! Do your best, and try not to waste anything. No matter how you save on food waste, don’t feel guilty for buying in plastic. Produce boxes are not available to everyone, and with the current times, unpackaged food (even fresh) is difficult to find for many people.

Peace & Love, always!