Zorra Now | Spring 2023 25 REDUCING FOOD WASTE AT HOME Did you know? The average household throws out $1,766 worth of food waste each year. That’s the same as dropping a bag of paid groceries on the way out of the store each week. By reducing food waste, you can cut back on your household waste by up to 24%, saving on bag tags and extending the life of our landfill. How to reduce food waste at home 1. Plan meals: Plan your meals a week ahead to reduce the amount of food waste you produce. 2. Shop smart: Using your weekly meal plan, only buy what you need, and check the best before and expiration dates before you buy. 3. Store food properly: Make sure you store fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats properly to prolong their life. 4. Stock your pantry: Keep your pantry stocked with basic, nonperishable ingredients that can be used in a variety of meals. 5. Use leftovers wisely: Shop your cupboards, fridge and freezer before buying more food. Some food waste is unavoidable. Fruit and vegetable peels, along with yard waste, can be put in a backyard composter. Peels, oils/fats, meat and bones can be put in a green cone food digester. Why compost? Composting is the process of breaking down organic material (food and yard waste) into a dark, nutrientrich soil. This soil can be used to help your gardens and flower beds grow, in addition to saving you money. Backyard composters and green cones are available to Oxford County residents for purchase at a discounted rate. Learn more at wasteline.ca. Reduce what you can; compost what you can’t GET IT ON Download the Wasteline app for reminders, how to report a problem, “What goes where” wizard and more. App Store® is a trademark of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC. Questions about Wasteline? wasteline.ca info@wasteline.ca 1-800-755-0394
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