In this article, Erin Silver shares her top tips for children (and adults). She is the author of Good Food Bad Waste—Let’s Eat for the Planet.
My fridge inspired me to create Good Food Bad Waste. One day, I opened my fridge and found that I had bought way too much food. I didn’t make a shopping list before going to the store. I hadn’t frozen anything. I had not eaten any leftovers. I began to wonder how much food might be wasted. I asked myself: If this was a problem for my family, would it be a similar problem for other families?
I conducted some research and discovered that food waste is a major problem in many households. We waste so much food—about $1500 a year—and much of it could have been consumed. I thought of all the resources used, such as water, land, and transportation, to produce all the food that we don’t consume and the people who are happy to receive the food that we throw away.
There’s good news: there are many things we can do to reduce food waste. We can reduce food waste by making simple changes in the way we shop, eat, and organize our cabinets. This book has taken me on a journey of food waste, and I am excited to share with you some of the tips I have learned.
1. Understanding expiry dates
When my kids see the expiration date, they assume that it means that the food is bad. It could be fine to eat, depending on what you are eating. You can use your senses to determine if food is mouldy or if it smells funny. It’s much easier to detect!
2. Preserve leftovers
If I can’t finish all the fresh fruit or leftovers, I will freeze them. You can freeze a variety of foods to help them stay fresher for longer, including bread, nuts, and milk.
3. Make a plan
Before I go shopping, I write down what I need and then check my pantry to see if I have it. Often, I discover food that I did not know I had. I avoid waste and save money!
4. Take Stock
In my pantry, I find many duplicates of shelf-stable foods like pasta and beans. I donate the extra food to the local food bank a few times a year instead of letting it sit in my pantry. I love knowing that the food will be used by people in need.
5. Bruises don’t hurt
Sometimes, the fruits and vegetables I keep in my refrigerator get bruised or start to brown. You can still eat it! I compost the bad bits and eat what’s left. It’s not necessary to throw away the whole thing!
This book and these tips are meant to help readers understand that they can have a huge impact on food waste and start today!
