Ever found yourself gazing into the depths of your fridge, contemplating the sad fate of that once-vibrant bundle of herbs now wilted and forgotten? We've all been there. But fear not, fellow students! In this article, I've got some practical tips to not only tackle waste but also make your student life more sustainable and budget-friendly.
Food waste is an issue that often gets swept under the rug, and admittedly, it doesn't sound like the most attractive topic for discussion. However, it's crucial to have these conversations and understand what's happening and what every individual can do to help. Did you know that globally, about one-third of all the food produced for human consumption is wasted every year? Or that in high-income countries, households are responsible for discarding around 163 pounds of food per person annually. That definitely doesn't sound alright to me!
The good news is that each one of us has the power to make a meaningful impact on reducing food waste. By adopting simple, yet effective practices you can contribute to a more sustainable future and also save quite a lot of money doing so. Remember, every small effort counts, and positive change begins with individual actions! So let's have a look at some practical tips.
Understanding Labels Decoding food labels like "use by," "sell by," and "best by" is crucial. Don't rush to discard items after the "best by" date; many are still safe to eat. Seamlessly integrate the "use by" system into your routine—plan meals around items nearing expiration, organize your fridge with closer-dated items at the forefront, and witness food waste shrink. It's a savvy strategy for student shopping, meal planning, and cooking that can make a real difference.
Organize your fridge with closer-dated items at the forefront, and witness food waste shrink
Shopping When possible, opt for smaller quantities of fresh items. Stick to your shopping list, be realistic about the amount to prevent overbuying, and don't overlook the yellow-labeled reduction stickers on groceries. It's the best way to save money, enjoy good food, and reduce waste. Many supermarkets in Newcastle have specific days for reducing numerous items, just ask around and get ready for the hunt for the widest variety of options.
Supportinglocals Choosing locally grown, in-season foods not only reduces food waste but also fosters a sense of community and support. Engage with local farmers' markets, embrace seasonal eating, and enjoy fresher produce while minimising overproduction and surplus. And, shorter transportation distances contribute to less handling and reduced spoilage during transit.
Vegetable stall at Grainger Market, Newcastle Upon Tyne. Image credits: Anna Nix
Planning and Cooking Before grocery shopping, plan your meals for the week to buy only what you need. Consider batch cooking and freezing portions for ready-made meals, preventing ingredients from going bad.
Sharing is Caring Coordinate meal plans with housemates, cook together, and save time. Avoid wasting leftovers by offering meals to housemates. Consider donating excess food to local food banks, charities, or sharing with friends and neighbors.
Repurposing Get creative with leftovers by incorporating them into new meals. Turn last night's roasted vegetables into a stir-fry or frittata, or use leftover rice to make fried rice. And don't forget composting! Set up a compost bin for food scraps—an environmentally friendly way to dispose of organic waste that benefits your plants too!
With Sustainability Week on the horizon, there's no better time to kickstart our journey toward reducing waste. While the focus may be on this designated week, it's more than just a temporary effort – it's a meaningful beginning. It's important to recognize that achieving 100% sustainability might not be feasible all the time, and that's perfectly okay. Be proud of every small step you take towards a more sustainable lifestyle and keep it going!
