North Austin News

"Plan your meals ahead of time and make a shopping list." - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

"Buy only what you need and avoid impulse purchases." - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

"Learn how to properly store food to make it last longer." - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

"Use leftovers to create new meals." - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

"Understand expiration dates and labels." - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

"Compost food scraps instead of throwing them away." - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

"Donate excess food to local food banks or shelters." - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

"Support restaurants and businesses that prioritize reducing food waste." - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

"Get creative with your cooking and use up ingredients before they go bad." - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

"Spread awareness and educate others about the importance of reducing food waste." - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Over one third of all food produced in the U.S. is never eaten, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). That wasted food often ends up in landfills where it is released as methane gas that contributes to climate change. 8-9% of all greenhouse gas emissions come from food waste in landfills. By keeping food out of the landfill, we can help protect our planet, reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our own backyard, and conserve important resources like labor, land, water and energy that are used to grow, package and transport food.

Taking everyday steps to reduce food waste can also help you save money. Every year, Americans lose more than 218 billion dollars on wasted food. A family of four can save an average of $1,500 per year by preventing food waste!

These 10 tips provided by the EPA offer practical ways for individuals to prevent good food from going to waste, ultimately benefiting both the environment and their wallets.