Special to the Cochrane Eagle
On average, 63% of food that ends up in our compost, could have been eaten.
This problem requires that we get creative and renew our passion for food while simultaneously reducing food waste. Considering this amount of waste, the financial implications can make us all clutch our wallets a bit tighter as it adds up to more than $1,700 wasted per household each year, or $32.69 per week.
On average, this equates to more than 190 kilograms of food tossed away annually per family! Not to mention the amount of food that gets tossed out by grocery stores and restaurants.
If you prepare and think about food, we can change our financial, environmental and dietary habits for the better. For example, using leftovers or stray ingredients creatively, can be the solution to getting out of the recipe rut we can fall into from time to time. Just like checking the weather, simply look up ‘what to do with spare ____’ and insert lettuce, rice, celery, etc. Adding that spare beet or cantaloupe slice to your dish can add a new flavour to a family favourite and make it new and exciting once more.
Kids love food when it’s presented as a snack or as an extra treat. Slice up that spare ingredient and add it to their lunches. The variety will keep them excited and curious eaters.
From time to time we end up with extra produce. Instead of letting it go bad, throw it in the freezer to be used another day. Before driving to the store, check to see what is in your cupboards and fridge – your shopping list will be shorter and so will your trip. Further, have a snack before shopping to help reduce impulse purchases.
Food rescuing is about using ‘ugly food’ to help reduce the amount of food going to waste in grocery stores. Using ‘ugly food’ is choosing to purchase produce that has minor superficial flaws, like a scratch on a cucumber or a multi colour bell pepper. This can also be a great money-saving hack, as these imperfect foods frequently end up in the clearance section of our grocery stores when they are still perfectly delicious.
Sometimes our produce might no longer look ideal, so we toss it out. Imperfect food often has a more vibrant taste, making it a great addition to many soups, stews, stir-fries, pies or smoothies. Getting creative with the food in our homes and choosing to rescue food can cut our food waste down to size and help save money and time spent in the grocery store. Happy creative cooking Cochrane!
Dana Mears is the Environmental Educator for the Town of Cochrane
