What is food waste ?

Sharing the wisdom 

Many people seemingly lack the knowledge about food waste, which makes it hard to prevent the actual waste of food. Nethe Plenge, Advisory Board Member of Stop Wasting Food movement Denmark (Stop Spild Af Mad) and author of several cookbooks, shares her wisdom:

Food waste is throwing away food, which could have been eaten by oneself or by others.

There is a lot to be saved, if one learns to cook leftovers.

Food waste is buying more than one actually needs.

Plan food shopping and bring a grocery list to the shop. Be cautious of quantity discounts, like “buy 3 pay for 2” offers, that make people buy more than they actually need.

Food waste is rejecting a piece of fruit, because it is slightly wrinkly, bumped or has a spot. 

Cut off the spot. The rest of the fruit can be used in fruit salads or smoothies.

Food waste is throwing away food because it has been too long on the dining table. 

Only put out as much food, as it is needed. Refrigerate or freeze the leftovers as quickly as possible.

Food waste is pushing the older food to the back of the fridge or cupboard, and placing fresher food in front.

Check the content of the fridge and cupboards, before shopping. Don’t buy new before using what you already have.

Food waste is putting new food in the freezer, before using the same kind of food you already have in the freezer.

Put clear dates on the tupperware or food container, before placing food in the freezer.

Food waste is throwing out the last bit of food along with the food packaging. 

Up to 25% of food is unnecessarily wasted due to the food packaging. Use all of the content before buying new. Place the ketchup bottle on the cap, so the last drops are easy to get out. Cut plastic bottles and tubes open to remove the last bit of content.

Food waste is removing and discarding several layers of outer leafs of lettuce, cabbage, onions, etc. 

Rinse the vegetables rather than cutting your way to the “clean” core.

Food waste is merely using the amount stated in the recipe and then throwing away what's left of the food. 

Plan your meals including using leftover raw materials and cooked food.

Food waste is discarding food, that have been stored wrongly and which has moulded, rotted, dried out, etc.

If the packaging doesn’t provide tips on how to store the food, ask in the shop. It’s not embarrassing to ask – it’s embarrassing not to ask.

Food waste is discarding meat, vegetables, and stems used to make a soup or a broth. 

The pulp can be blended to make a sauce, and bits of meat can be diced and add texture to the soup.

Buy what you need and use what you buy – and think in full-use, rather than pick-and-choose.

With a little extra knowledge in the bag and creative food thinking, little steps can make a big difference, and in the long run mean big savings.