Food is Life: Get the most out of it!

BY BERENICE GUTIÉRREZ

If you were to clean out your refrigerator right now, how much food would end up in the garbage? Food waste doesn’t just impact your pocketbook, it also adds to a critical worldwide problem by increasing greenhouse gases and contributing to climate change. We invite you to consider these recommendations for getting the most out of your food.

1.

Plan your meals. Creating a weekly food planner will help you be more efficient when grocery shopping. You can start with small steps, like planning just your breakfasts or a few of the week’s meals

3.

Give the “ugly ones” a chance. Supermarkets tend to throw away large quantities of fruits and vegetables that don’t meet their aesthetic standards. As long as they’re not bruised or overripe, it’s safe and recommended to buy “imperfect” fruits and vegetables.

5. Keep your refrigerator in order. Organizing your refrigerator and pantry will help prevent food from getting “lost” or stored for too long.

7.

Take advantage of your freezer! Did you know that the more food you store in your freezer, the less energy is used? That’s because it reduces the circulation of cold air. So fill up your freezer!

2.

Purchase wisely. Only buy fruits and vegetables that you plan on consuming during the week. Wash and disinfect them immediately. Keep them organized and always in plain view when you store them.

4.

Cook! Restaurants and other establishments that sell prepared food generate a high amount of food waste. Cooking at home will help to avoid this negative cycle.

6.

Put leftovers in the freezer. If leftover food won’t be eaten in the next three days, put it in the freezer, label it, and keep your leftovers organized.