Reducing Food Waste: 10 Simple Tips

April 23, 2025 | Meal planning

“We produce and consume food in ways that are unsustainable, with huge consequences for the environment, human health, and animal welfare.”

Food waste is a problem that affects people, the environment, and the economy. According to the United Nations World Food Program, one-fifth of the global food produced for human consumption is wasted every year, equivalent to 1 billion meals per day. This results in wasted money, approximately $1 trillion globally, and precious natural resources.

Why is food waste a problem?

Wasted food results in wasted money, time, energy, and resources it took to produce it.
When food ends up in the landfill, it releases harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to emissions.
Food waste “generates up to 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions—almost five times the total emissions compared to the aviation sector,” the World Food Program reports.

Individuals vs. Businesses

60% of food waste occurs within the household.
The amount of food thrown away by retailers represents around $18.2 billion.
It’s not just individuals that need to take responsibility for this massive, global problem.

10 Tips to Reduce Food Waste

Eat more plants. The more whole plants you eat, the more you’re likely to reduce food waste and resources. Hospital patients fed vegetarian meals contributed less food waste than patients given meals that contained meat.
Shop smart and make a plan. Beware the impulse buy, and only buy what you need. Stick to your list and resist purchasing something just because it’s on sale.
Order in stages. If you can’t remember the last time you stepped foot in a grocery store, apply the “buy only what you need” rule when eating out. Order your entrée first.
Cook less. Reduce the amount of food you prepare at any given time. For example, if you’re following a recipe that suggests six servings, but you’re a household of two, do some simple math and reduce the ingredient measurements by two-thirds.
Save the leftovers. If you’re preparing a meal that freezes well, let leftovers be your superpower to tackle food waste. Dishes such as chili, soups, and stews, casseroles, and seitan-based meats freeze for weeks.
Pickle and ferment it. Soak produce in brine to preserve produce. Pickled and fermented products such as sauerkraut and kimchi can be expensive, but you can recreate them at home at a fraction of the cost.
Donate it. Gather up shelf-stable items way back in the recesses of your pantry and donate them to a local food bank. Connect your regular vegan-friendly restaurants with a local food recovery organization.
Be a food pusher. Share your baked goods with others and reduce your food footprint by spreading the vegan message.
Use the entire ingredient. Sauté, blend, stew, and transform those often thrown-away bits of food into tasty elements to enhance any dish.
Compost. Add leftover banana peels, lettuce, potato peels, and avocado skins to the compost pile. Composting is a regenerative practice that brings nutrients back to the soil.

Conclusion

Reducing food waste is a simple yet effective way to protect the planet, save money, and enjoy the food you have at home. By incorporating these 10 tips into your daily life, you can make a positive impact and contribute to a more sustainable food system.