How to Reduce Food Waste – Top 5 Tips for Your Home

Reducing food waste is one of the most effective things we can do for both the climate and our wallets. In Sweden alone, the average person throws away 17 kilos of edible food every year, and on a global scale food waste accounts for nearly 10% of greenhouse gas emissions. It’s not just about saving money – it’s also about building a more sustainable future.

So, how can we make a real difference in everyday life? Here are five practical tips that actually work!

1. Plan Your Shopping

It may sound obvious, but writing a shopping list – and sticking to it – makes a big difference. By planning meals for the week and avoiding impulse buys, you lower the risk of food ending up forgotten until it’s spoiled.

2. Store Food Correctly

A lot of waste happens simply because food is stored in the wrong way. Potatoes keep best in a dark, cool place, while tomatoes prefer room temperature. Your fridge should stay around +4°C for optimal shelf life. A handy trick is to place food that needs to be eaten soon at the front, so it doesn’t get lost in the back.

3. Use the Right Amount of Packaging

Keeping food airtight is key to prolonging its freshness – whether it’s cheese, vegetables, or yesterday’s leftovers. This is where good plastic wrap comes in. A product like Ninjaplast 150 meter makes it easy to cut exactly the amount of wrap you need, without waste. It’s also easy to smooth out if it wrinkles, making it more practical than many alternatives. In this way, it helps reduce both food waste and packaging waste.

4. Trust Your Senses

“Best before” does not mean “inedible after.” Many foods are still perfectly good long after the date on the package. Look, smell, and taste before throwing anything away – chances are, it’s still safe and delicious.

5. Get Creative With Leftovers

Leftover vegetables can become a soup, stale bread can be turned into croutons or French toast, and last night’s dinner can make a great lunchbox. Seeing leftovers as ingredients rather than waste is both fun and sustainable.

Food waste is a global challenge, but change starts at home. By planning better, storing smarter, using the right amount of packaging, trusting our senses, and getting creative with leftovers, we can all make a real difference – for the planet and our households alike.