There are a variety of ways to reduce food waste at home, which can save you money, help the environment, and possibly feed people who need it.
Stop waste at the source
Assess food purchasing and preparation in your business or home to reduce the volume of food waste that is generated.
- Make a list with meals in mind.
- Buy only what you expect to use.
- Keep fruits and vegetables fresh.
- Prep perishables sooner rather than later.
- Eat what needs eating first.
- Treat expiration and sell-by dates as guidelines.
- Save – and actually eat – leftovers.
- Try canning and pickling.
- Monitor what you throw away.
- Split a dish with a friend.
Donate your surplus food
State and federal Good Samaritan laws protect you or your business from liability when you donate food that you believe is safe and edible. Many programs will come and pick up your surplus food for you on a regular or as needed basis.
What can be donated?
- Fresh produce (Unopened or unused)
- Dairy products (Unopened or unused)
- Meat (Fresh chilled or frozen)
- Unserved prepared entrees, side dishes, and desserts
- Containers of food, beverages, condiments, sauces
Compost
Small scale commercial and home composting systems can process your food waste into a valuable soil amendment.
You can also divert food scraps to animal feed. Check with a local farmer.
More information
The Food: Too Good to Waste Toolkit (EPA)
Tips from Greatist and from the EPA.
Read more about the food waste crisis, and ways WSU is combatting it.