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As a university student, managing food waste might not be at the top of your priority list, but reducing food waste can save you money, help the environment, and make your meal planning more efficient. Here's a simple guide with easy tips to help you cut down on food waste.

1. Plan your meals

• Make a list: Before you go shopping, plan your meals for the week and make a list of what you need. This helps avoid impulse buys and ensures you only purchase what you'll actually use before the expiry date.
• Stick to the list: Once you have your list, stick to it! Avoid buying items that aren't on the list, especially perishables that may go bad quickly. Snacks are okay because let's be honest, they will definitely get eaten!

2. Store food properly

• Keep it fresh: Learn how to store fruits, vegetables, and other perishables correctly to extend their shelf life. For example, keep potatoes in a cool, dark place and store leafy greens in a damp paper towel. We'd recommend investing in tupperware to easily store cooked meals in the fridge.
• Use your freezer: Freeze leftovers, bread, and other items that you won't use immediately. This prevents them from spoiling and gives you easy meal options for later.

3. Understanding expiration dates

• Best Before vs. Use By: "Best before" dates indicate quality, not safety. Many foods are still safe to eat after this date if they look, smell, and taste fine. "Use by" dates, however, are about safety, so don't consume items past this date.
• Trust your senses: If something looks, smells, and tastes okay, it's usually safe to eat, even if it's past its "best before" date (but it's not a guarantee so use your common sense!).

4. Portion control

• Cook what you need: Avoid cooking more than you can eat. Use measuring cups or a kitchen scale to help you prepare the right amount of food.
• Save leftovers: If you do end up with extra, save leftovers for another meal. Store them in the fridge or freezer and make sure to use them within a few days. Use tinfoil, cling film or tupperware to keep the food fresh.

5. Get creative with leftovers

• Mix and match: Use leftovers to create new meals. For example, leftover veggies can be turned into a stir-fry or added to a soup.
• Use scraps: Vegetable peels and scraps can be used to make homemade stock. Stale bread can be turned into croutons or breadcrumbs. It's always worth asking yourself whether any scraps can be put to good use before throwing them in the bin.

6. Smart shopping

• Buy loose: Purchase loose fruits and vegetables so you can buy exactly the amount you need.
• Bulk bins: Use bulk bins (containers) for items like grains, nuts, and spices. This way, you can buy small amounts and reduce packaging waste.

7. Regularly clean out your fridge

• First in, first out: Organise your fridge so that older items are at the front and newer items are at the back. This helps ensure you use up older items before they spoil.
• Weekly check: Do a weekly fridge check to see what needs to be used up soon and plan your meals around those items.

Cutting down on food waste doesn't have to be complicated. By planning your meals, storing food properly, and getting creative with leftovers, you can make a big difference.