Section 2: Zero Waste Kitchen & Food
Cooking to Reduce Food Waste
Quick Links
- Cooking Tips & Good Habits
- Food Waste Composting
A Guide to Zero-Waste Meal Planning
and Smart Kitchen Habits
Food waste is a global challenge, but did you know that a significant portion happens right in our own kitchens? The good news is, with a few simple shifts in how we plan, shop, and cook, we can dramatically reduce food waste and save money along the way! This guide will walk you through effective zero waste meal planning and smart kitchen waste tips to transform your cooking habits.
The Power of Zero-Waste Meal Planning
Quick Tip
Group similar items together in your fridge (e.g., all vegetables in one drawer) so you can see them easily.
Leftover Recipe Idea
Stale Bread Croutons: Dice stale bread, toss with olive oil, garlic powder, and herbs, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden and crispy. Perfect for soups or salads!
The Power of Zero-Waste Meal Planning
Meal planning is your secret weapon against food waste.
It helps you buy only what you need, use what you have
avoid those dreaded forgotten items in the back of the fridge.
Audit Your Kitchen First: Before you even think about recipes, take a peek into your fridge, freezer, and pantry. What needs to be used up first? This is the foundation of your zero waste meal planning.
Plan Around “Use It Up” Ingredients: Start your weekly meal plan by incorporating ingredients that are nearing their expiry date. Have some wilting spinach? Plan a frittata or a smoothie. A few overripe tomatoes? Sauce it up!
Create a Flexible Meal Schedule: Don’t be too rigid! Life happens. Instead of assigning a specific meal to each day, plan a list of meals you’ll make and match them to your schedule as the week unfolds. This allows for spontaneity and using up unexpected leftovers.
Make a Smart Shopping List: Once your meals are planned and your existing inventory is noted, create a precise shopping list. Stick to it! Impulse buys often lead to forgotten food.
Portion Control is Key: Cook realistic amounts. If you consistently have too much leftover, adjust your recipes to make smaller portions. If you love leftovers (and who doesn’t for lunch!), plan for intentional extra portions.