Cutting food waste without becoming rigid
Every time I throw food away, it feels like I'm tossing money straight into the bin. And I'm not alone: the average French household wastes 20 kg of food a year, including 7 kg still in packaging. That's about €240 gone. But there are simple ways to cut this waste without turning daily life into a strict routine.
Start by observing
For a week, I kept track of what I threw away: a yogurt forgotten at the back of the fridge, leftover pasta no one touched, a salad I bought with good intentions but never prepared. This simple home audit showed me my weak spots. Within days, I could see where to act.
Adjust the shopping
Instead of filling the cart blindly, I now shop with a list and buy less fresh produce at once. The result: fewer losses and more creativity in the kitchen. If I have three carrots and half a pot of cream left, I look for a recipe that uses both instead of opening something new.
The fridge-cleanout meal
Once a week, I cook with whatever is left: an omelet with tired veggies, soup from Sunday's leftovers, a pasta bake to finish off cheese scraps. It has become a fun, budget-friendly ritual. No one feels like they're eating leftovers, and everyone's surprised by the results.
Handle dates better
For years, I confused "use by" and "best before." The first is a real safety deadline. The second often means the food is still fine well after. Since I started paying attention, I've cut what I throw away out of unnecessary fear by half.
Conclusion: Cutting food waste doesn't have to feel like a burden. Small gestures, repeated week after week, transform both your bin and your bills. You eat better, spend less, and show more respect for the planet's resources.
About the author:
Alexandre Dubois is passionate about practical eco-friendly living. Based in France, he shares tested habits that reduce costs and environmental impact without overcomplicating daily life. Contact: info@greendailyfix.com
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