We have a food waste problem in Australia. Did you know that 18% of the food we buy is wasted, even though 70% is perfectly edible?* And food waste accounts for a massive 40% of a typical Australian family's trash*. Horrifying! Don't panic, we're here to help. Read on as we share lots of easy ways to reduce food waste starting right now.
Ways to reduce food waste
Store fresh vegetables correctly
Most veggies can be stored in an airtight container in the crisper, including carrots, broccoli, cabbage, celery and beans. Glass containers are a great choice as they don't absorb smells and you can see inside.
Salad greens, like baby spinach and rocket, as well as fresh herbs stay fresher for longer in a Veggie Saver produce bag. The Veggie Saver swag bag keeps produce crisp and fresh for weeks, not days. It works well for all types of veggies, in the fridge or pantry.
Always store tomatoes out of the fridge, especially if they have been refrigerated before (i.e. you bought them from a supermarket). When they are nice and ripe, consume immediately, or transfer to the fridge.
Always store mushrooms in a brown paper bag. Brown paper absorbs excess moisture, keeping them fresher for longer.
Keep open food packets closed
Stainless steel pegs are not just for clothes! Use them to keep open packets of food, chips, crackers, cereal or pasta closed. A bulldog clip, paper clip or rubber band also works well. Ideally, store these foods in a sealed container to keep them fresher for longer.
Our metal pegs come in a range of sizes, including really tiny stainless steel pegs. These are great for keeping food packets closed, hanging photos and keeping notes together.
Keep moths out of the pantry
Moths can cause havoc in your pantry. Adult pantry months can lay hundreds of eggs directly on or near food sources, such as flour, oats, rice, nuts, beans, spices. The damage is done by the larvae as they feed, leaving behind a web like trail. Larvae can even chew through cardboard, zip lock bags and food packets!
It's best to deter pantry moths from coming into the pantry in the first place. Keep a red cedar moth repellant block on each shelf in your pantry to deter pantry moths naturally. Every few months rejuvenate the red cedar scent by sanding the block and adding a few drops of red cedar essential oil to it.
Don't throw out leftover food!
Save leftovers in a suitable container in the fridge, and enjoy it for lunch the next day. These glass food containers are a great option, as they are microwave safe, perfect for work lunches.
Dry fresh herbs if you have excess
If you have too many fresh herbs air dry them to use later in cooking, decorating or DIYing.
How to air dry fresh herbs:
- To air dry fresh herbs, tie them up in bundles consisting of around five sprigs.
- Hang them in an area that gets good ventilation, but is out of direct sunlight.
- Leave them be for around 10-14 days. They are ready when they turn brittle and the leaves crumble easily when touched.
- Store them in a glass jar or airtight container.
A stainless steel sock hanger is great for this task, as you can dry lots of fresh herbs in one go with ease.
Use airtight containers to store food
When it comes to storing food in the kitchen, an airtight container is the best choice. Airtight food storage containers keeps food fresher for longer, prevents rancidity, reduces the chance of contamination, and helps retain original flavours and aroma of the food.
Compost food scraps
Whether you live in an apartment or have a big back yard, everyone can compost food scraps with a bokashi compost bin. Your bokashi bin will turn kitchen scraps into valuable soil conditioner and fertiliser using an organic fermentation process.
Learn more about composting
No garden? No problem. Apartment composting is for you!
What are the benefits of composting (for absolute beginners)
Bokashi composting: everything you ever wanted to know
--------------------
Read more:
*accumulate.com.au/food-waste-statistics-from-australia-to-remember-in-2023/
