Time to slim your waste!
1. Audit
The average Australian household throws out one in every five grocery bags! Not only is this a waste of money, but when food waste goes to landfill it creates methane gas which is harmful for our planet. Before you head to the shops check what you’ve already got and create a “bitsa” dish using it all up. My go-tos are a roasted vegetable breakfast frittata and banana bread.
Tip: using swag bags is a great way to extend the shelf-life of your fruit and veg.
2. Plan
Grab your fave cookbook and scroll through your saved collection on Instagram – it’s time to make your culinary dreams a reality. Write a list (with quantities) of what you need so you don’t get side-tracked in the shops and buy more than you bargained for. If you’re someone who struggles with the idea of eating the same lunch five days in a row, make two options and you’ll never be bored again.
Tip: Why not try a meat-free option this week? It’s often cheaper and is kinder on the planet.
3. Hit it
It’s D-day! Don’t leave the house without a tote bag or two and a set of produce bags to minimise plastic-waste in your shop. Throw your loose leafy greens and beans in your product bags rather than buying plastic and when you’re tossing up between brands look past the price and at the environmental impact. How is it packaged? And where is it made? Look for Australian-made items in cardboard or better yet no packaging at all.
Tip: if you do purchase plastic packaging you can recycle it in the RedCycle bins at your local Coles or Woolworths.
4. Forget me not
There’s arguably no greater heartbreak than leaving your delicious food prepped lunch at home. Take all of your portions into the office on Monday or leave a post-it-note by the front door so when you leave the house so too does your lunch!
Tip: Or better yet set a reminder in your phone!
5. Gear
Finding a matching lid for that Tupperware container is a small miracle. So if you’ve lost it, grab yourself a lunchbox like the kids or a set of glass/stainless steel containers so you’re set and ready to go.
Tip: Keeping a set of cutlery in your desk drawer (next to your reusable coffee cup) is a non-negotiable.
As with everything in the sustainability realm it is important that doing something is better than nothing. It isn’t about going cold turkey and never eating takeaway again or banning plastic cutlery for eternity. Every step counts, keep going.
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