Avoid Wasting Food

This week’s “Save the World Wednesdays” challenge over on Reduce Footprints involves aiming for zero food wastage.  I’m going to share some recipes to help with that.

Change the World Wednesdays

This week, don’t waste any food. Buy only what is needed for your family. If you cook more than what’s necessary, get creative with left-overs. If left-overs don’t appeal to your family, cook only enough for one meal. Don’t toss out any food … and don’t let it spoil in the refrigerator. Zero Food Waste!

OR ..

If you’re already a zero food waste chef, then share some of your more creative meals in a post.

Tips to Avoid Food Wastage

Food is expensive if you buy it, and labor-intensive if you produce your own. Food production and transportation also consume a great deal of water, fuel, and other resources.  Wasting food therefore wastes a lot more than just the food itself!  So if you eat every bit of your food, without wasting any, you will save a lot.  This is a wonderful green-living ideal.

1. When you have mass quantities of a leftover, divide it into several smaller portions and freeze them for later use.
2. When you have a moderate amount of leftover meat, do a “Leftover Makeover.” Add gravy and pour the results over noodles or bread.
3. When you have a small amount of leftover meat, vegetables, or savory filling then use that to make an omelette.
4. Save the bones, thick skin, fat, giblets, and other scraps from meat.  These may be used fresh, or frozen in a container and saved until you have enough to make stock.
5. Similarly, if you have only a spoonful or two of a vegetable left, put that into a container and freeze it.  Next time, add another small amount of leftover vegetable.  Continue until the container is full.  Then use it to make stock. You’ll get a different flavor combination every time.
6. To use stale bread, make bread pudding or garlic-cheese toast.
7. When you host a dinner party or potluck, ask who wants some of the leftovers.  This is especially nice during hard times when many people are so broke that buying enough food is difficult.
8. You might also enjoy the LiveJournal community Cheap Cookin’ for further ideas on using all your food.
9. Other good resources include Leftover Chef, Teri’s Kitchen, and Love Food Hate Waste.