Be a planning perfectionist
Remember to write a list of what you need before food shopping and try your best to stick to it.
If you’re not a fan of shopping lists, take a picture of your fridge/cupboard shelves before you head to the shops instead. This will stop you from buying something you’ve already got at home.
It’s a date!
The dates on food packaging can be confusing but just remember that ‘Use by’ dates are about safety – food should not be eaten after this date (even if it looks/smells fine) and ‘Best before’ dates are about quality – although your food won’t be at its best after this date, it will still be safe to eat for some time.
Serve the perfect Portions
Cooking the correct portions can be tricky, especially with things like rice and pasta. Just remember, a mug filled with dry rice will cook enough for four adults and two cupped handfuls of pasta is enough for 1 adult.
Check out Love Food Hate Waste handy portion planner for more guidance on different foods http://bit.ly/2un8EBI
Be savvy with storage
Storing food correctly can help make it last longer.
The average fridge temperature in UK homes is nearly 7°C, but foods will last longer if they are kept at under 5°C.
Most fruit and veg will stay fresher for longer in the fridge. The key exceptions are bananas and pineapple (keep these on the counter), and onions and potatoes (which should be kept in a cool, dark, dry place – like a cupboard!).
All foods with a ‘use by’ date, including meat, can be frozen right up to this date. This is especially helpful if your plans change at the last minute.
Not sure where something should be stored? Try the Love Food Hate Waste Food Storage A–Z guide: http://bit.ly/2JbC5Ly
Make sure you love your leftovers
Remember to eat the food you have already cooked rather than throwing it away. Leftovers make great lunches on the go or a tea in a hurry! You can portion them to suit you and some can even be frozen.
Many of the foods we throw away can be transformed into fabulous new dishes. If you need some inspiration, check out Love Food Hate Waste tasty recipes page: http://bit.ly/3dmRU1G
Join in with the reducing food waste revolution, search #FoodWasteActionWeek on social media!