How to reduce food waste in your daily life (from the perspective of users)

21.09.2021

How often do you reach for the lid of the bucket to dispose of leftover food? And do you forget what products are in the fridge or closet? Learn how to reduce food waste in your daily life.  

At home

• Plan your meals - write a shopping list. Those who live alone need to plan more than couples/families.
• Make an analysis about what kind of food you tend to throw away most often (eg., for 2 weeks take a note every time when you throw away something), then adjust your shopping habits.    When shopping meat/fish during the summer, if you can´t place the food into the fridge quickly after shopping (general recommendation - fish and poultry should stay out of fridge on average maximum 1 hour, pork and beef 2 hours), bring a thermo bag (insulated bag) with you to the shop.
• Shop more often, in smaller quantities, to throw away less and enjoy fresher products.
• When shopping meat/fish during the summer, if you can´t place the food into the fridge quickly after shopping (general recommendation - fish and poultry should stay out of fridge on average maximum 1 hour, pork and beef 2 hours), bring a thermo bag (insulated bag) with you to the shop.
• Avoid food cross contamination: 
• o    when transporting raw meat from the shop, make sure to keep it separated from the rest of the food (vacuum sealer, another bag..);
• o    when preparing meat/fish, make sure to always keep separated meat that will be cooked from that meat which will be consumed raw. 
• Use your leftovers.
• Know your dates (‘use by’ informs about food safety and ‘best before’ informs about food quality)
• Grab a smaller plate and refill as needed.
• Look for longer use-by dates.
• Use your freezer to the maximum (ready-made portions; eg., put a fresh bread cut in slices in the freezer and every day take out just the number of sliced that you will eat during the day).

• Store food properly (check the labels for storage instructions, make sure your fridge is between 1° and 5°C).
• Know what is in your pantry and fridge.
• Rotate food stored at home– ‘first in, first out’! 
• Be creative with what you have left at home and learn how to repurpose food.
• Swap excess food with neighbors and friends.
• Replace plastic bags with reusable ones from ecological materials which can also be washed after using (eg Beeswax wrap, Frusack).

At the shops or market

• Write a shopping list.
• Don’t shop when hungry.
• Buy only the quantity you need (the right packaging size or loose foods).
• Choose imperfect fruit and vegs (often on discount) as these are often not accepted by supermarkets and get wasted.

At work, shool, university

• Ask to be served the right portion for you (at the canteen).
• Keep an eye on the office fridge/fruit basket.
• Spread the word – share your tips to prevent food waste with colleagues and friends.
• In cafes, restaurants and hotels.
• Grab a smaller plate and refill as needed.
• Take with you your leftovers in your lunch box.
• Manage your expectations concerning availability of food, depending on the time of the day.

Source:
https://www.mzh.government.bg/bg/politiki-i-programi/politiki-i-strategii/politiki-po-agrohranitelnata-veriga/predotvratyavane-i-namalyavane-na-zagubata-na-hrani/