In case you are up to date with the latest information, you must be aware that in America alone 40% of all food is thrown away. Additionally, nearly one-half of this waste comes from households.
People throw food away in their homes because they prepare excess servings or forget about or do not finish their leftovers among other reasons. Here are six methods to prevent wastage by dealing with what remains after a meal.
Do not throw them away
No matter where you eat, whether it is at home or outside, avoid throwing away leftover edible food into the garbage can or compost heap. This should always be your motto especially if you have worked hard for your money and resources.
While at a restaurant, request for a take-out box or bring along your container; just don’t forget it there. After cooking at home pack the remaining food when everyone has finished eating and put it inside the refrigerator. These packed meals should also be labeled appropriately before being stacked somewhere that won’t slip your mind later on.
Make the lunch for tomorrow
Easy lunches can be made by utilizing the remaining meals. Only find a container that fits them and you are good to go! If it doesn’t make full meal, add an extra snack or a side dish.
Let your imagination run wild
Be creative in the kitchen. You can mix leftover vegetables or bake them in new recipes. Combine grains and meats with rice, hash browns, scrambles, or soup. There is no shortage of ideas on the internet for “what to do with extra…” Perhaps using a dry ingredient blender can help you easily incorporate spices and seasonings into your dishes, enhancing flavors and making the most of your leftovers. This tool is especially useful for creating homemade spice blends and mixes, adding a fresh twist to your culinary creations
Keep them frozen
In case you love what you have left but don’t want more for now or this week, freeze it into single portions or family-sized meals that can be reheated later when you’re busy and haven’t got time for cooking. Just remember about marking containers so that you know what’s inside them after defrosting!
Also make sure you have a good refrigerator or freezer that can keep the food intact, or try to get an upgrade from catchme.lk.
Reverse the roles
A fun hobby for some people has been exchanging dinners or hosting group food swaps with leftover food. They create extra meals and exchange them to have a wider range of dishes.
Stop it from happening
If you don’t like having leftovers, then make or buy only as much as you need. This is especially important when trying out new recipes, so use a portion calculator if necessary. Sharing a meal with a friend or asking for smaller portions when eating out are good solutions too!
Composting
Composting is a great way to make the most of your leftover food. This process includes taking those and other natural materials and turning them into soil conditioners for better growth. It reduces waste sent to landfills by minimizing methane emissions.
There are compost bins available to purchase from most large department stores, so save your scraps in a bag or container until you find one! Here’s what can go into your compost bin:
- Produce
- Cereal
- Coffee leftovers
- Napkins or paper towels
- Anything made from biodegradable paper products
But never place these items into it:
- Meat or bones from any kind of animal source;
- Any product that contains dairy such as milk cartons;
- Liquids such as sauces or beverages;
- Wrappers for food;
- Utensils like forks are made out of plastic material.
