Save money and reduce food waste
It's National Food Waste Prevention Week! We're joining statewide efforts to cut food waste in half by 2030, and we need your help to get there.
Food waste costs the average household about $1,500 a year. And it’s not just your wallet that pays the price. Food waste also has a big impact on the environment. When we send food to the landfill, it breaks down to create methane—a harmful greenhouse gas. You can be part of the solution with our food waste reductions tips.
Be a savvy shopper: Plan your meals before heading to the grocery store to reduce waste and stretch your grocery budget.
Store and preserve food properly: Storing foods the right way keeps perishables fresh for as long as possible. Some fruits and veggies love a cool dark home, while some prefer to be stored on the counter. Learn how to maximize freshness with our food storage guide.
Cook creatively: If your items are starting to spoil, get creative with recipes. From turning mushy tomatoes into tomato gravy or brown bananas into banana bread—there are so many possibilities! Find recipes at savethefood.com and usefoodwell.org.
Understand date labels on food: Date labels on food are confusing and create unnecessary food waste. Except for infant formula, food that is stored properly may still be safe to eat if the date passes and until spoilage is evident. When in doubt, toss the item in the compost or garbage. Learn more about date labeling on USDA’s food product dating webpage.
Help others, donate: When you donate food, it goes to people who need it instead of the landfill. You can donate many non-perishable and unspoiled perishable foods to local food banks, pantries, and shelters.
Compost your food scraps: Food scraps in the landfill create methane – a powerful greenhouse gas. Composting turns food scraps into a nutrient-rich resource. Learn how to compost in Kitsap County with curbside composting, worm composting, or backyard composting.
|
