Ways to Avoid Food Waste

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

11 Jul 2008 12:35 PM

One sure way to reduce the amount of money you spend on food is to avoid wasting any of it. The average American wastes up to 50 percent of the food that they buy. From half-eaten sandwiches and chicken nuggets left by the kids to lettuce that wilts and leftovers that turn into science experiments, chances are that you throw some food away every day.

Think about your food bill and halve it or even quarter it if you are better than average. That is how much money you are throwing away. A $200 food bill could be reduced to $150 or $100 a week when you avoid waste. Here are some tips.

If you eat out at a restaurant, always get a doggie bag. You can use the leftovers in so many ways. Don't want to keep food in the car for a a couple of hours until you get home? Take a lunch cooler and ask the restaurant for a large cup of ice to keep it all cool.

For kids meals, offer half or three-quarters of the serving you might normally offer. You can always refill a glass or put more food on the plate as needed and avoid those half-glasses of milk and half-eaten sandwiches.

If you do wind up with a half-drank glass of milk, put a cover or a bit of plastic wrap over the cup and place it in the fridge for later.

And while we are on the subject of drinks, keep track of all of those sippy cups full of milk or juice. Kids tend to carry them all over the house and lose track of them, until you find them hours later when the contents have gone bad. Limit your child to the table or at least one room with the sippy cup and promptly place it in the fridge when your child is done with it.

Check back again for more tips for avoiding food waste, such as special tips when you have babies or children, tips for produce and plenty of ideas for all of those leftovers.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. Starting June 1st, don't miss her articles in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Whole Turkey Versus Turkey Breasts: Cost Comparison

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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MegfromAllAboutAppearances (330) 11 Jul 2008 01:27 PM

Food waste drives me nuts -- something which I inherited from my mom, I am certain. For some people, the drive to not waste food is an excuse to overeat, so that's something I'm very careful about. In addition to buying less, I've been trying to make less food for myself at a given time. For example, I use smaller measurements when making oatmeal or I use one slice of bread when making PB&J. I know I can make more if I want later, but usually I don't. It's also a great strategy if you're trying to lose some weight like I am ; )

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 11 Jul 2008 04:56 PM

That is so true. It is better to make less or eat a little less so you have a second portion. I'm afraid that I am guilty of the finish everything on the plate not to waste it club.

Tashi (1013) 13 Jul 2008 01:58 PM

Our office is great when it comes to avoiding food waste. Whenever there's anything left over from meetings, the "vultures" descend so fast, the waste is left to practically crumbs most of the time. And it's usually *good* food, rarely junk. If anything substantial is left, we're allowed to bring some home.I mix those leftovers with items from home, and voila -- I have a new meal, and it can sometimes last a couple of days.

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 14 Jul 2008 03:44 AM

Wow, that is a great plan.

MegfromAllAboutAppearances (330) 25 Jul 2008 09:22 AM

I was raised in the school of "finish everything on the plate not to waste it", too. As someone who doesn't lose weight easily, it's an awful thing to try to break. I've had to tell myself over and over again that it's not waste if I eat it later. It's not waste if I compost it. And it's not even waste if I throw it out if the alternative is me eating more than I really should and being less healthy because of it.

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 28 Jul 2008 07:27 AM

Meg, what a great insight! One thing that helps me is to make up lunch or dinner plates. I put the leftovers on a new plate, combining other stuff from the fridge if necessary to make a meal. I then cover it with plastic wrap. Instant easy lunch or dinner that can be heated quickly and one less meal to pay for.