Rethinking Food Waste Prevention with ReWorks

by Marcie E. Kress, Executive Director, ReWorks

Preventing food waste not only has a positive impact on our environment, by keeping excess food out of our landfills, but also on our finances. When we find ways to utilize all the food we purchase, instead of losing some to disposal, we are making better use of our money. To reduce your chances of throwing away your food (and money) check out the following suggestions that may help if put into action. 

Buy only what you need. 

Check your refrigerator, pantry and cupboards before heading to the store. You can prevent overbuying by checking to see what you already have before making your list. 

Plan around what you have. 

What can you make with the ingredients you have on hand? What items are at risk of spoiling sooner than others? Prioritize using these items first to reduce the risk of having them spoil before they are utilized. Organizing your fridge in a way that keeps items that may spoil soon in view can be helpful. 

Know and follow the best practices for storing and preserving your food. 

Be sure you store your food in the best environment for keeping it fresh. If you have items you are worried may go bad before you can use them, consider freezing, pickling or canning as a way of preserving them until you are able to use them. 

Have a plan for excess. 

Surplus food happens and you may not have room to store it or time to use it. Reaching out to family, friends, food banks and shelters to share can help prevent waste. If sharing isn’t an option composting may be. Composting helps prevent the loss of nutrients from food waste and generates compost that can be used in your yard or garden. Check out our backyard compost guide here: www.summitreworks.com/compost 

April 7th-13th is Food Waste Prevention Week, a week where entities around the world work together to educate and inspire action to prevent food waste. For more resources on food waste reduction, visit www.summitreworks.com, Instagram @summitreworks or call 330-374-0383. Remember, even if you are just beginning, the smallest food waste prevention actions add up quickly too. 

ReWorks, the solid waste management authority for Summit County, provides programs, services, and community outreach on waste reduction, recycling, and other materials management strategies. 

Marcie E. Kress, Executive Director, ReWorks

Sponsored by

ReWorks

2711 West Market St. Unit 13620, Fairlawn, OH 44333
www.summitreworks.com • 330-374-0383

Opinions and claims expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of ScripType Publishing.