Are you throwing money in the trash? You might as well be if you forget about leftovers and let fresh produce grow mold.
Food waste can take a big bite out of anyone’s budget, and you don’t even have to live in one of the most wasteful states to notice. Oklahoma and Utah—the two states that waste the least—still wind up wasting nearly $750 and $800 per year!
Eliminating food waste can have a huge impact on your budget. It can be the difference between having the savings to pay an emergency plumber and taking out a payday loan.
These high-cost loans are due back by your next payday, which can make it hard to repay what you owe on time.
There are alternatives to payday loans in Utah and Oklahoma that let you pay back your loan online in multiple, fixed installments. But even the best installment loans Utah has to offer come with rates and fees that mean you’ll pay more to cover your unexpected expense this way.
It’s easier and cheaper to pay for the unexpected out of pocket. And you might be able to do that once you get your food waste under control. Try out these eight tips below to save your money.
1. Plan Ahead
The best way to reduce food waste is by planning your meals. This way, you won’t pick foods randomly, which increases the chances of buying something you won’t eat in time.
2. Use Leftovers
It’s easy to waste food when you’re tired of eating the same thing over and over. If you “forget” to eat leftovers, make a meal plan that incorporates them to create a new dish.
3. Follow a Shopping List
Don’t go off script and fill your cart with treats or specials you find in store. By following your list, you’re less likely to overbuy.
4. Read Labels
If food comes in a package, it comes with an expiration date. Pay attention to these dates. For one thing, you’ll catch anything nearing its due date, so you don’t bring something home that’s halfway rotten. You’ll also be more aware of what you need to eat first.
5. Know the Difference Between Expiration vs Best Before
You should toss any food past its expiration or use-by date. But there’s more leeway with a best-before date. Food is not as fresh as it could be, but it’s still edible so don’t throw it out.
6. Learn How to Store Food
Can’t manage to eat your leafy greens before they turn into soup? Learn how to store fresh produce in your fridge to prolong its shelf life, so you aren’t racing to eat them before they go fusty.
7. Use Your Freezer
If you have a hard time eating food before it goes bad, follow this guide on how to freeze.Freezing extends the life of most foods by months.
8. Pickle
Another way to preserve food is by pickling it. You can make a quickpickle out of most vegetables, which can extend their life by a week or two. And if you follow proper canning techniques, they can last another year.
Bottom Line
Food waste is expensive, but with a little ingenuity in the kitchen, you can save all that money from going in the trash can. Try it — not only will you feel accomplished, but you’ll have some savings for the unexpected!