Food has always played a crucial role in our lives. Our ancestors instilled in us the importance of never wasting food. On a planet with nearly 9 billion people, however, we face food insecurity on every level, with more than a million people going hungry. Food waste is one of the most serious issues confronting humanity today; a significant portion of all food produced globally is lost or wasted. Food waste encompasses not only squandered food but also wasted money, wasted water, wasted energy, wasted land, and wasted transportation. Food sustainability can actually contribute to climate change. Food waste is frequently dumped in landfills, where it rots and produces methane gas. Food waste is frequently dumped in landfills, where it rots and produces methane gas. If food waste were a country, it would rank high in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.
Here are a few sustainable tips to learn while you are in Kitchen
Shop What You Need: Many people have a habit of purchasing more than they require. Create a list and only buy what you need from it when you go shopping. Make it a point to finish the food you bought the previous time you went to the store before you go shopping again.
Store Food Right: Food waste is a huge problem because of improper storage. Many people don't know how to store fruits and vegetables properly, which can result in premature ripening and, finally, rotten produce. For example, never refrigerate potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, cucumbers, or onions. It's best to keep these things at room temperature. Water can be used to submerge the stems of leafy greens and herbs. If you don't think you'll finish the bread in time, put it in the freezer. By choosing slightly imperfect produce at the grocery store or directly from the farmer, you will be contributing to a healthier environment.
Make Compost: Composting leftover food is a good technique to recycle food waste by converting it into plant energy. While not everyone has the capacity for an outdoor composting system, there are a variety of countertop composting systems that make this practice simple and accessible to everyone, including those with a variety of countertop composting systems limited space. A large garden can benefit from an outdoor composter, whereas city people with houseplants or tiny herb gardens will benefit from a countertop composter.
Consider Leftovers: The holidays aren't the only time to eat leftovers. If you cook frequently and often have leftovers, set aside a day to use up any that have been collected in the refrigerator. It's a fantastic technique to avoid wasting food. It also saves you both time and money.
Prepare Homemade Stock: Making your own stock is a simple method to cut down on food waste. With some olive oil or butter, sauté vegetable scraps like tops, stalks, peels, and any other leftover parts, then add water and let them boil into a fragrant vegetable broth.
With a little effort, you can drastically reduce food waste, save money and time, relieve some of the pressure on Nature and move towards a more sustainable environment.