Young woman wearing a red jacket smiling with her arms out

Food waste hurts both the planet and your wallet. Cutting back saves money and helps the environment. Small changes in how you shop, store, and cook can make a big difference. Try these ten easy habits to reduce food waste and keep more cash in your pocket.

Plan Meals Around Perishable Items

Woman writing out a meal plan with food on the table
Image Credit: Asiandelight via Shutterstock.

Start by checking your fridge for items approaching expiration. Plan meals to use these first. Be creative with recipes to incorporate what’s on hand. This will minimize waste and keep food fresh. Planning ensures nothing goes forgotten or spoiled. Plus, you’ll avoid unnecessary grocery trips, saving time and money.

💸 Take Back Control of Your Finances in 2025 💸
Get Instant Access to our free mini course
5 DAYS TO A BETTER BUDGET

Use a “First In, First Out” System

Pantry overstuffed with cans
Image Credit: Darryl Brooks via Shutterstock.

Organize your pantry and fridge using the “first in, first out” method. Place newly purchased items behind older ones. This rotation keeps ingredients fresh and prevents spoilage. Date perishables with markers for easy tracking. Maintaining a simple, organized system simplifies meal planning and avoids wasted food.

Get Creative with Leftovers

Leftover containers inside a refrigerator
Image Credit: Joe Belanger via Shutterstock.

Turn leftovers into fresh meals. Use leftover veggies for stir-fry or tacos. Extra meat works great in sandwiches or salads. Get creative and try new combinations. It’s a fun way to make your ingredients and money stretch further. Stop looking at leftovers as boring—they’re a chance to try something new.

Freeze Overripe Fruits

Freezer packed with frozen food
Image Credit: BravissimoS via Shutterstock.

Before tossing overripe fruit, freeze them for later use. Bananas make excellent smoothies or banana bread. Berries work well in muffins or jams. Keep a freezer stash for ready access. Overripe fruits still pack flavor and nutrients. Extend their life and save money simultaneously.

Compost Scraps

woman putting food scraps into a compost bin
Image Credit: Daisy-daisy via Deposit Photos.

Consider composting kitchen scraps instead of throwing them out. It reduces waste and enriches your garden soil. You can compost fruit peels, eggshells, and coffee grounds. Composting is an eco-friendly step toward a sustainable lifestyle. Use kitchen waste productively, cutting trash and creating fertilizer.

Mind Portion Sizes

Family-style meal and buffet table
Image Credit: LElik83 via Deposit Photos.

Serve manageable portions to reduce leftovers and waste. Encourage seconds if needed, but avoid oversized servings. Adjust cooking quantities to avoid uneaten food. Proper portions benefit waistlines and budgets alike. A mindful serving size approach helps minimize what’s left uneaten.

Store Food Properly

Glass food storage containers stacked
Image Credit: LaMony Betty via Shutterstock.

Proper storage keeps food fresh longer. Use airtight containers, and know which items require refrigeration. Separate fruits and vegetables to avoid accelerating ripening. Familiarize yourself with food storage techniques. Smarter storage practices preserve quality and freshness, extending your food’s shelf life.

Set Up a Weekly Fridge Clean

White mini fridge filled with drinks
Image Credit: Africa Studio via Shutterstock.

Dedicate one day each week to clean out the fridge. Spot items at risk of spoiling and plan meals accordingly. A clean fridge offers clear visibility of available ingredients. This simple habit saves food from waste. Weekly checks keep your fridge tidy and efficient.

Batch Cook and Freeze

Man cooking food on a propane grill
Image Credit: Losonsky via Shutterstock.

Prepare meals in large batches and freeze portions for later. Stews, soups, and casseroles are ideal for freezing. Batch cooking saves time and reduces waste. It simplifies weekday meals when time is short. You’ll waste less and efficiently manage meal prep.

Share Excess with Neighbors

Woman eating a salad in her office
Image Credit: Krakenimages.com via Shutterstock.

If you have excess produce or food you can’t use, share with your neighbors. Start a small swap system or community group. Sharing fosters community spirit and mutual resourcefulness. Waste less by distributing abundance. It’s a productive way to connect while cutting down on excess.

Waste Less, Save More

Woman putting coin into a piggy bank
Image Credit: Tommaso1979 via Deposit Photos.

Incorporating these habits into your routine leads to significant savings. Reducing food waste conserves resources and respects the planet. Simple changes in daily habits offer value and environmental benefits. Enjoy fresher meals, a larger budget, and a cleaner conscience. Leverage these habits for a thriving, waste-free lifestyle.

9 Crazy Simple Hacks Frugal People Swear By

Blonde woman with short hair and sunglasses
Image Credit: Sarymsakov via Deposit Photos.

Frugality doesn’t mean living a life devoid of pleasure; rather, it’s about making smarter choices and being conscious about where your money goes. By adopting a few simple practices, you can significantly improve your financial situation without feeling deprived. Discovering new ways to save just may become your next favorite hobby. Here are nine simple frugal hacks you can start today.

Read it Here: 9 Crazy Simple Hacks Frugal People Swear By

15 Weird Things Frugal People Refuse to Spend Money On

Woman popping out of hundred dollar bills
Image Credit: Feverpitch via Deposit Photos.

Frugal living is about stretching every dollar to its limit and prioritizing needs over wants. This lifestyle leads to avoiding unnecessary purchases, even ones others might consider normal. Here are some of the quirkiest things frugal folks refuse to spend money on.

Read it Here: 15 Weird Things Frugal People Refuse to Spend Money On