FOOD STORAGE PRACTICES TO REDUCE FOOD WASTE AND PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT

By Nur Mohamed

Are you tired of constantly throwing away expired food? Do you want to stock up on pantry and fridge staples that have a long shelf life or no expiration date at all? Look no further, as we’ve compiled a list of foods that will save you money and reduce waste.

Let’s start with the pantry staples. Canned goods are a must-have in any pantry as they have a long shelf life and can be used in various recipes. Canned vegetables, such as corn, beans, and tomatoes, can be used in stews, soups, and casseroles. Canned fruits, like peaches, pears, and pineapples, are great for desserts or smoothies. Canned meats, such as tuna and chicken, can be used in salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes. Canned soups and broths are also useful for quick and easy meals.

Dried goods, such as rice, pasta, and beans, are also great pantry staples with a long shelf life. Rice can last up to two years, while dried pasta can last up to one year. Beans, whether dried or canned, are great sources of protein and can be used in chili, salads, or as a side dish.

Nuts and seeds are also pantry staples that can last a long time. Almonds, cashews, and peanuts can last up to six months in the pantry, while seeds like chia, flax, and sunflower can last up to one year. They are great snacks or can be used in salads, smoothies, or oatmeal.

Moving on to the fridge staples, there are several foods that have a long shelf life and no expiration date. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda, can last up to six months in the fridge. They are versatile ingredients that can be used in various dishes or enjoyed on their own.

Eggs are another fridge staple that can last up to five weeks in the fridge. They are a great source of protein and can be used in baking, omelettes, or as a topping for salads.

Pickled vegetables, such as cucumbers, beets, and carrots, can also last a long time in the fridge. They are great for adding flavour and crunch to sandwiches or as a side dish.

Butter and margarine are also fridge staples with a long shelf life. Butter can last up to six months in the fridge, while margarine can last up to one year. They are essential ingredients in baking and cooking.

Lastly, there are some foods that have no expiration date and can be stored in the pantry or fridge indefinitely. Salt, sugar, and honey are examples of such foods. They are essential ingredients in various recipes and can also be used as natural preservatives. Stocking up on pantry and fridge staples with a long shelf life or no expiration date is a great way to save money and reduce food waste. Canned goods, dried goods, nuts and seeds, hard cheeses, eggs, pickled vegetables, butter and margarine, salt, sugar, and honey are all great options. By having these foods on hand, you’ll always be prepared to make quick and easy meals.

On May the 4th, the world celebrated Star Wars Day. Star Wars’ Fans had flooded social media platforms with the tagline “May the fourth be with you,” a clever pun and wordplay to the movie’s popular phrase “May the force be with you.”

In the movies, the term ‘force’ is recognized as an energy field that connects everything and everyone with the universe.

The tagline is used to wish people good luck implying that the force works in their favour. The fandom merely replaces ‘force’ with ‘fourth’ just to add a unique touch to their celebration.

The fourth day in May became Star Wars Day because of the phrase, “May the force be with you,” used by Jedi masters in the movies.

The first recorded reference of the phrase being used was on May 4, 1979, the day after Margaret Thatcher was elected as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Her political party, the Conservatives, placed a congratulatory advertisement in