We all face food waste - often unconsciously. We leave products in the fridge thinking we'll eat them later, we buy too much, we cook to spare or without a plan. As a result, things end up in the bin that could easily still be used by someone else - especially ourselves. Although this may seem like a small thing, on a weekly, monthly or yearly basis, it is a waste of money, time, resources and... good food.
At LifeSpot, we believe that responsible living starts at home - and the kitchen is the perfect place to make small changes that make a big difference.
5 simple tricks you can implement right away:
1. Smart planning
It's not about spending an hour over a shopping list. Just do a quick survey of your fridge and cupboards before you go to the shop. A note on your phone will do the trick. You buy less - you waste less. Plus, you'll avoid duplicating products you already have - like another packet of rice or two open yoghurts.
Just as important as planning your shopping is a sensible approach to cooking. If you know you won't eat everything - prepare a smaller portion. And if you cook more, protect the food from spoiling straight away: divide into smaller portions, store in the fridge or freeze. This is a great way to come back to a ready-made dish on a day when you don't have time to cook.
2. Creative approach
Food that no longer looks ideal does not have to go in the bin. Overripe fruit can be turned into a compote, jam or smoothie, while soft bananas can be turned into banana bread or pancakes. Vegetables that are losing their firmness are perfect as a base for broth, stew or stuffing. Unleavened bread is great for croutons, casseroles, French toast or homemade breadcrumbs. Potatoes from yesterday? Pancakes. Half a carrot? For soup or vegetable paste. Cooking with leftovers is not only a way to save money, but also an opportunity for culinary experimentation. You don't have to be a master chef - just a little ingenuity will do.
3. Fridge with rules
First what has the shortest date - then the rest. In addition, try not to pile up the shelves by force. The more you see, the less you forget. You can even designate a special "eating zone", i.e. a shelf where all products with an expiring date land. When shopping, stack new products at the back and older products at the front. Even if you're in a hurry or forget, you'll instinctively reach for what's on top - which is what you need to eat first.
4. Freeze
Got too much? Divide and freeze. Not just lunches, but bread, fruit, herbs, sauces and even vegetable stock or grated cheese. Freezing saves food and gives you a ready supply for days when you don't have the strength to cook. It's a good idea to portion your food before freezing - that way you only defrost as much as you need. Containers or pouches with a label and date work well too - it's easier to keep track of what you have in the freezer.
5. Food rescue apps
In many cities - including those where we operate as LifeSpot - platforms that allow people to pick up wholesome food with a short shelf life that has not been sold in shops, bakeries or restaurants are becoming increasingly popular. It's a simple way to buy ready meals or products at a very attractive price, and in the process save something that would otherwise end up in the bin. With just a few clicks, you can pick up a surprise kit from a nearby café or bakery. It's not only eco, it's economical - you can really save a lot in a month while reducing food waste.
Labels
Read labels - “use by” indicates a cut-off date for the safety of the product - after this date it should no longer be eaten. Conversely, “best before” is a suggestion of quality - after this date, the product may change in taste, smell or texture, but it may still be safe to eat. It is worth learning to distinguish between these labels and not automatically throw food away just because the “date has passed”. Not wasting food does not have to mean making sacrifices or revolutionising. It is more a matter of changing your mindset. A few simple habits can make your kitchen run more efficiently and make you feel like you're doing something good - for yourself and for the world.
At LifeSpot, we believe that home is not just about square metres, but also about everyday choices. A home can be modern and beautiful - but it's only the lifestyle of its inhabitants that really makes it meaningful. Start with the fridge. The rest will go downhill.
