RADAR
Make Your Food Count
Simple steps can cut household food waste, save money and help the planet.
By Will Scott
Using airtight containers can help preserve food’s freshness and prevent spoilage. | PHOTO: TATIANA_BRALININA/ENVATO
WITH THE COST OF FOOD ON THE RISE, food waste is a topic of increasing importance — one that hits everyone in the wallet. But it runs beyond the bottom line, directly to issues of environmental impact and sustainability.
“Wasting food affects our finances, fuels climate change and undermines food security,” says Megan Czerpak, head of communication for FoodMesh, a Certified B Corporation (a for-profit company that meets high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency) that works with food retailers, charities and farmers to reduce food loss and divert it from the trash bin to the people who need it most. “Tackling it isn’t just a nice idea — it’s essential if we want to save money and protect the planet.” In Canadian households alone, 63 percent of food thrown away could have been eaten — that’s equivalent to 140 kilograms of wasted food per household every year. It costs the average family more than $1,300 annually.
The good news is that individuals can make small adjustments to their routines and habits that lead to significant change. “It doesn’t take a big lifestyle overhaul to make a real difference — just a few small shifts in how we shop, store and use our food,” Czerpak says.
“In Canadian households alone, 63 percent of food thrown away could have been eaten — that's equivalent to 140 kilograms of wasted food per household every year.”
Washing your produce is always important, but when you wash it can help to avoid waste. | RENATAHAMUDA/ENVATO
Here are some tips from Love Food Hate Waste Canada, a campaign managed by FoodMesh that’s designed to inspire and empower Canadians to prevent avoidable food waste at home. The organization offers regularly updated resources, suggestions and easy-to-apply advice.
1
PLAN YOUR MEALS SO YOU ONLY BUY WHAT YOU KNOW YOU'LL USE.
- Start with your favourite go-to meals and repeat them every week or two. Use a calendar and put it on the fridge. Gradually, you can add more meals for variety.
- Next week’s meals start with what’s in your fridge. See what needs to be used up and find a recipe to match. Then check your pantry. Shop only for the things you need.
- Stock up on kitchen essentials: two or three grains, key spices and condiments, and versatile “hero” sauces like barbecue and peanut sauce.
2
- Get creative with what you’ve got — leftovers, wilted veggies, even food that’s past its best-before date can often be revived or repurposed.
3
- Learn how to store food so it lasts longer — simple things like not washing berries until you are ready to eat them can make all the difference.
“In a recent four-week citizen challenge, 85 percent of participants said they reduced their food waste at home just by applying simple tips we shared,” says Czerpak. “It’s a great example of how the right message at the right time can lead to meaningful action.” CAA
Here are some tips from Love Food Hate Waste Canada, a campaign managed by FoodMesh that’s designed to inspire and empower Canadians to prevent avoidable food waste at home. The organization offers regularly updated resources, suggestions and easy-to-apply advice.
1
PLAN YOUR MEALS SO YOU ONLY BUY WHAT YOU KNOW YOU'LL USE.
- Start with your favourite go-to meals and repeat them every week or two. Use a calendar and put it on the fridge. Gradually, you can add more meals for variety.
- Next week’s meals start with what’s in your fridge. See what needs to be used up and find a recipe to match. Then check your pantry. Shop only for the things you need.
- Stock up on kitchen essentials: two or three grains, key spices and condiments, and versatile “hero” sauces like barbecue and peanut sauce.
2
- Get creative with what you’ve got — leftovers, wilted veggies, even food that’s past its best-before date can often be revived or repurposed.
3
- Learn how to store food so it lasts longer — simple things like not washing berries until you are ready to eat them can make all the difference.
“In a recent four-week citizen challenge, 85 percent of participants said they reduced their food waste at home just by applying simple tips we shared,” says Czerpak. “It’s a great example of how the right message at the right time can lead to meaningful action.” CAA