Food waste is a massive issue that affects not just our wallets but also our planet. In the U.S. alone, nearly 40% of all food goes to waste. That’s millions of tons of food—and billions of dollars—literally thrown away every year. Reducing food waste in our personal lives is important because it has a far-reaching impact on the environment, economy, society, and our individual well-being. It is a conscious choice that aligns with a more sustainable and responsible approach to food consumption and resource management.
The Hidden Cost of Food Waste
Food waste isn’t just about tossing leftovers. It contributes significantly to environmental issues, including greenhouse gas emissions, overuse of natural resources, and excess landfill waste. When food is wasted, so are the resources used to grow, transport, and prepare it—like water, energy, and labor. If food waste were a country, it would be the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases after the U.S. and China.
For individuals and families, food waste also translates into financial loss. The average household wastes hundreds of dollars in uneaten food each year. Whether it’s buying too much, forgetting about perishables in the fridge, or struggling with portion sizes, food waste happens at every level of the food system.
Why Traditional Grocery Shopping Leads to Waste
Grocery shopping with the best intentions doesn’t always mean food gets eaten. Bulk purchasing, lack of meal planning, and impulse buys often lead to forgotten produce, expired dairy, and unplanned takeout nights. Busy schedules also mean that fresh ingredients sometimes spoil before they’re used, leading to unnecessary waste.
Additionally, portion sizes at the grocery store often don’t match individual or family needs. That "family-size" pack of greens or large bag of potatoes may seem like a great deal, but if half of it goes bad before it’s eaten, it’s not saving money—or the planet.
Real Food & Food Waste
Real food, which includes humanely raised animal proteins, pastured eggs, fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, tends to generate less waste. It is healthier, more sustainable, and often cheaper than processed foods.
Learn more about the benefits of real food in this post
Strategies To Reduce Waste With Real Food
Meal Planning & Prepping: Plan your meals and buy only what you need. Make a shopping list to avoid over-purchasing. Prepare meals in advance to avoid last-minute food waste. Portion and store them in containers to grab and go when needed.
Proper Storage: Store food items correctly to extend their freshness. Use airtight containers, and keep perishables in the fridge or freezer.
Creative Cooking: Get creative with leftovers. Turn yesterday's dinner into today's lunch or dinner. Use vegetable scraps for making broth.
Composting: Composting can help divert organic waste from landfills and turn it into nutrient-rich soil for gardening. You can compost food scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells.
More Tips To Reduce Food Waste
While many people are aware of the impact of food waste, they often struggle with solutions that fit into their busy lives. Some simple and sustainable practices to reduce your food waste are:
Understand Food Labels: Learn to interpret food labels correctly. "Best before" dates indicate food quality but are often still safe to consume after the date has passed. "Use by" dates are more critical for perishable items. Use your judgment and the sniff test to assess if food is still good.
First In, First Out (FIFO): When organizing your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer, practice the FIFO method. Use older items before newer ones to ensure that nothing expires before being used. Periodically go through your refrigerator to identify items that need to be used up or discarded to prevent food from going bad unnoticed.
Store Food Properly: Be aware of the best storage conditions for different foods. For example, store eggs in the coolest part of the refrigerator (not the door), keep tomatoes on the counter (not in the fridge), and store nuts in airtight containers to prevent spoilage
Re-evaluate Portion Sizes: Be mindful of portion sizes when cooking. Start with smaller portions, and let people have seconds if they're still hungry. This reduces the chances of uneaten leftovers.
Use a Shopping List: Before going shopping, create a detailed shopping list based on your meal plan. Stick to the list to avoid buying items you don't need.
Preservation Techniques: Make use of various preservation methods like canning, pickling, freezing, and dehydrating to extend the shelf life of fruits, vegetables, and other perishable items.
Donate Surplus Food: If you have surplus food that you can't consume, consider donating it to local food banks or charities. Many organizations are eager to accept fresh, unexpired food donations.
Leftovers Makeovers: Transform leftovers into entirely new dishes. For example, use roasted vegetables in salads, and shredded meat from one meal in tacos or sandwiches for the next.
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the issue of food waste. Learn about the impact it has on the environment, economy, and society to stay motivated to reduce waste.
Involve Children: Teach children about food waste and involve them in meal planning and preparation. This helps instill good habits from an early age.
Support Restaurants with Food Waste Reduction Initiatives: Choose to dine at or order from restaurants that have policies in place to minimize food waste, such as smaller portion sizes and responsible sourcing.
Share Food Responsibility: If you live with roommates or family members, ensure that everyone takes responsibility for food management, including planning, cooking, and cleanup.
Consider Meal Delivery Services: One of the easiest ways to cut down on food waste is by using a high-quality meal delivery service. Pre-portioned, real food-based meals eliminate guesswork, reduce overbuying, and help ensure you eat everything you purchase.
Meal Delivery Helps Reduce Food Waste
At Pete’s Real Food, we offer a practical way to reduce food waste while enjoying healthy, delicious meals. We do this by offering you
Pre-Portioned Meals: No more excess ingredients or half-used produce sitting in your fridge.
Minimal Prep & Cleanup: With meals ready to eat, there’s less food left unused and thrown away.
Smart Sourcing: High-quality ingredient choices which prioritize sustainably sourced, real food ingredients, further minimizing environmental impact.
Consistency & Convenience: Sticking to a meal plan prevents impulse grocery shopping, reducing the chance of food waste.
Learn more about our sustainability practices here
Our seasonal menu changes weekly and provides options for all tastes and dietary preferences. Explore this week’s options and order your favorites here >>>>>
Make a Difference with Small Changes
Reducing food waste doesn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Some small, but significant adjustments can make a big impact. By planning meals, storing food properly, and choosing convenient solutions like meal delivery, you can contribute to a more sustainable food system while simplifying your daily routine.