6 TIPS TO REDUCE YOUR FOOD WASTE!

One of the easiest ways we can decrease greenhouse gases and reverse climate change is to reduce our food waste.  According to National Geographic’s issue on The New Food Revolution, “our need for food poses one of the biggest dangers to the planet”.

Agriculture is one of the biggest contributors to global warming, emitting more greenhouse gases than all our cars, trucks, trains, and planes combined – largely from methane released by cattle and rice farms, nitrous oxide from fertilized fields, and carbon dioxide from the cutting of rain forests to grow crops or raise livestock.

So, what can we do?!

REDUCE FOOD WASTE 

An estimated 25 percent of the world’s food calories (or about 1.3 billion tons) are lost or wasted before they can be consumed.  In developed countries, the waste occurs in homes, restaurants, and supermarkets.  These startling statistics led the U.N. to launch a global campaign, Think Eat Save, dedicated to reducing the ‘foodprint’ or food waste of consumers, retailers, and restaurants.

The good news!  We, as consumers, can make simple changes that make a BIG difference in the amount of food we throw away each year.  Try one or all of these top 6 tips to reduce your foodprint!

Avoid Impulse Buys 

You’re less likely to eat the items you don’t need.  Stick to ‘the list’!

Buy Funny-Looking Produce 

Nature does not naturally produce perfectly shaped, blemish-free fruit and vegetables so why do we expect it?  When you buy the less than perfect ones at a grocery store or farmer’s market, you’re helping reduce food that might otherwise be thrown out.

Stock Like Supermarket Shelves 

Remember FIFO – First In First Out.   When unpacking groceries, move older products to the front of the shelf and put new products in the back. Great way to avoid the dreaded – “is this still good?” question on those post expiration date foods.

Eat Leftovers

So easy to forget what’s in that styrofoam container or casserole dish after it gets pushed to the back of the fridge.  If you have leftovers, make sure to put them in an airtight container at the front of the shelf.  All containers are not created equal so verify that the lids are truly secure and marked as ‘airtight’.  We like Tenzo Variety 4-Pack Glass Containers and Verel 36oz 4-Pack Containers.  Both sets have bamboo lids that multi-task as cutting boards and serving platters.  Great to also bring your own containers to restaurants for left-overs so no wasted ‘to-go’ container that’s usually not even recyclable!

Make a Smoothie 

Soft fruit and vegetables can be used in smoothies as well as soups and nutritious juice.  So easy to find smoothie recipes online but you can always try new recipes curated or created weekly @koecolife on #ThirstyThursday or our website! 

Compost Waste

If some items just didn’t make it to your mouth and are rotting away…don’t worry!  “Throw them in – the compost bin!”  Compost bins can be discreetly added to any size yard or outdoor space and most food waste will naturally decompose without even needing to empty the bin!  

Or, you can schedule regular compost pick ups through companies like Wastenot Compost in Chicago.  For a small fee, they will provide a compost bucket and collect it as needed. ADD PROMO CODE update koecolife promo!!

__________________________________________________________________________________

CONNECT WITH US —

Please like/follow us on social media links below to support a Made in USA, healthy-lifestyle company that is ‘Fighting for a Greener Planet’ to make a difference!  Thanks friends!!

Sign up here at www.koecolife.com and receive valuable coupons, tips, & product updates.  And, follow us @koecolife for our latest news and events too.  Go YOU!

Sign up here at www.koecolife.com and receive valuable coupons, tips, & product updates.  And, follow us @koecolife for our latest news and events too.  Go YOU!

ABOUT US

K.O. “knock-out” ecolife promotes healthy living with a gut-wrenching desire to make a difference!  We’re ‘Fighting for a Greener Planet’ with the eco-friendly products we develop, information we share on health, fitness, and wellness, and Giving Back mission.