Many people aren’t aware of how much food they toss into the garbage each day, such as forgotten leftovers and fruit and vegetable scraps that could’ve been reused.
According to a 2023 study by MITRE and Gallup, the average American household wastes about 6.2 cups of edible food each week, and the state of Michigan ranks No. 22 for reported food loss and waste. By throwing out food that could’ve been safely prepared and eaten, people end up losing money. In fact, it costs the average American $728 per year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For a household of four, the annual loss equates to nearly $3,000.
Food loss and waste misuse our energy resources, like water, and create greenhouse gases as items decay in landfills, according to Recycle Track Systems.
However, with better preparation, you can reduce the amount of squandered food, save money and even lessen your environmental footprint. Here are eight sustainable eats that take advantage of our seasonal and past-prime produce:
Apple Scrap Jelly: Use apple cores and skins to make a spread for sandwiches or a charcuterie board.
Aunt Hedwig’s Cake: Made with nearly sour milk, cinnamon and brown sugar, this cake serves as a sweet and spicy dessert.
Banana Bread: Nothing’s better on a cool day than a warm slice of banana bread using overripe bananas.
Carrottop Pesto: Keep carrottops out of the trash by using them to make a pesto sauce. the trash by using them to make a pesto sauce.
Concentrated Vegetable Broth Base: Use vegetables past their prime to make a stock that you can freeze and thaw when needed.
Crispy Parmesan Broccoli Stem Fries: Air fry broccoli stems to make crunchy, savory snacks.
Spiced Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash: Double up on autumnal produce for a low carbon footprint.
Zero-Waste Pumpkin Soup: Transform a pumpkin into a filling soup instead of a jack-o’-lantern.
More Tips to Reduce Food Loss and Waste
- Take stock of what’s currently in your refrigerator and pantry before going to the store, to avoid overbuying.
- Master how to properly prepare, cook and store foods at home.
- Learn how to store fruits and vegetables so they last longer.
- Made too much? Besides freezing leftovers, share with friends, family and neighbors.
- Understand expiration labels:
- “Best If Used By” means the product may not taste or act as expected but is safe for use after the specified date.
- “Use By” means the product isn’t recommended for use after the specified date.
- Use the First In, First Out method for food management:
- Whatever was first purchased and placed in the pantry or refrigerator should be the first consumed.
- Compost food scraps.
Visit the Office of Sustainability’s website for more information on environmental sustainability
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