Food waste is a significant issue in Australia, with the average household throwing away $2,000 worth of groceries each year. For professional people balancing busy lives, reducing food waste isn’t just about saving money—it’s about making sustainable choices that benefit our planet. Here are my top seven tips for cutting food waste and seeing those savings grow.

1. Plan Your Meals

Meal planning significantly reduces food waste and saves time. By planning your meals for the week, you’ll know exactly what to buy and how to use it. Start by:

• Checking your pantry, fridge, and freezer for ingredients you already have.
• Writing a shopping list and sticking to it.
• Including versatile ingredients that can work across multiple meals (eg. tomato passata, most vegetables).
• Eat locally and seasonally. What foods are easy to grow or buy locally? What is available in abundance right now? Make good use of these resources.
• Be realistic about the time you have to prepare meals from scratch. It’s OK to buy in some convenience in the form of canned, frozen and packaged foods. Your time, energy and sanity matter.

2. Store Food Well

Proper storage can significantly extend the life of your groceries. Some quick tips:

• Keep herbs fresh by storing them in a glass of water in the fridge. Better still, grow them fresh in a pot near your kitchen door. Handy!
• Use airtight containers to store leftovers and dry goods.
• Learn the best way to store fruits and vegetables. For example, bananas release ethylene gas, which can cause nearby produce to ripen faster.
• Download my free brochure, ‘How to Love Your Fridge,’ here.

3. Love Your Leftovers

Transform last night’s dinner into today’s lunch or a new meal. Ideas include:

• Turning roasted veggies into a hearty soup or salad
• Using leftover meat in wraps, stir-fries, or sandwiches.
• Freezing portions of meals to eat later when time is tight.

3. Get creative with scraps

Many parts of fruits and vegetables that are often thrown away can be repurposed, for example:

• Use carrot tops to make pesto.
• Save veggie scraps to make a nutrient-rich stock.
• Roast potato skins for a crispy snack.

5. Embrace “Ugly” Produce

Don’t be deterred by imperfect fruits and vegetables. They’re just as nutritious and often cheaper than their “perfect” counterparts. Many markets and supermarkets now sell “odd bunch” produce at discounted prices.

6. Compost What You Can’t Eat

Even with the best planning, some food waste is inevitable. Composting is a great way to turn scraps into nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Options include:

• Starting a backyard compost bin.
• Using a worm farm for smaller spaces.
• Trying a Bokashi bucket for meat and dairy scraps.

7. Cook in Bulk

Batch cooking not only saves time but also reduces the chances of ingredients going unused. Prepare large quantities of soups, stews, or casseroles and freeze them in portions. This way, you’ll always have a quick meal ready and won’t be tempted to waste food.

Why Reducing Food Waste Matters

• By taking steps to reduce food waste, you’re not only saving money but also helping the environment. Less food waste means less strain on our council services and lower greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a simple yet powerful way to practice sustainability at home.
• Want more support for your sustainable living journey? Check out what I have on offer at Anne Price Permaculture. Let’s create a brighter, greener future together!

Share Your Tips!

I’d love to hear how you reduce food waste in your kitchen. Share your ideas in the comments below.