One thing I am doing to minimize food waste is to shop more often for produce. I typically shop big every two weeks, buy a bunch of produce with big plans, but then fail to use it all in time. What a waste! So... I plan to start doing some micro-shopping trips during the week. They won't take up too much time, and I will try to stack them with other errands. One thing though - it has to be planned out - I need to know what I am cooking, which is something I plan out weekly.
I also use a vacuum sealer and freeze leftovers when it makes sense. Then I simply add what I put in the freezer to a list I keep on the fridge so I remember what's in there!
Using a vacuum sealer is a great idea. I also find that taking note of what’s worth it to buy in bulk and what’s not makes a big difference. Love how organized you are Melissa!
It will help you save! I bake almost every week so I’m better off with 10 pounds of sugar instead of a tiny bag from the grocery store. Also makes it easier to make family meals.
Wow how insightful! I also wondered about where all the baked goods go - not just from shows like the Great British Baking Show, but also just for food bloggers that make giant cakes and pies. I don't think it all gets eaten, but I understand that if you want to do a party-themed spread, well, the cake has to be big. But at least people out there are trying to make things better!
Thanks Lorraine! I have a food blog that’s separate from my Substack. My family eats the desserts I make and sometimes I give them to friends. I’ve learned to make small batches of desserts, which helps so much! Instead of making a batch of 16 cookies for a blog post I only make 6, unless I get a request to make more.
Super smart. I love that you make just enough and leave people with wanting & requesting more! Sounds like you have a great system going with your baking.
Thanks for this! I've worked in restaurants for... ever, and the food waste is massive there too!
One example that always breaks my heart is that if a server takes food to the wrong table (even if the customers don’t touch it, but the plate "touches" the table), it usually gets thrown out at most mid to upper-range restaurants. We also don’t typically give it to staff members because that might mean they won’t buy a (barely) discounted "staff meal."
So it all just goes in the bin. 😟 I was forced to waste for too long 😖, but now I always use every scrap and I waste nothing!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! There are so many people that could eat this wasted food. Especially kids who’s only meals are from the free lunch program at school. I hope that restaurants and food brands can work together to improve this issue!
Thanks for sharing, Lala! I always wondered what happened to leftover food from these shows.
You’re welcome Christina! I always thought about this while watching baking competitions. That’s where the inspiration came from.
One thing I am doing to minimize food waste is to shop more often for produce. I typically shop big every two weeks, buy a bunch of produce with big plans, but then fail to use it all in time. What a waste! So... I plan to start doing some micro-shopping trips during the week. They won't take up too much time, and I will try to stack them with other errands. One thing though - it has to be planned out - I need to know what I am cooking, which is something I plan out weekly.
I also use a vacuum sealer and freeze leftovers when it makes sense. Then I simply add what I put in the freezer to a list I keep on the fridge so I remember what's in there!
Using a vacuum sealer is a great idea. I also find that taking note of what’s worth it to buy in bulk and what’s not makes a big difference. Love how organized you are Melissa!
Bulk is another story --- I want to give Costco a try.
It will help you save! I bake almost every week so I’m better off with 10 pounds of sugar instead of a tiny bag from the grocery store. Also makes it easier to make family meals.
Hmmm... I might need to gift myself a membership soooooon.
Love this
Glad you enjoyed!
Wow how insightful! I also wondered about where all the baked goods go - not just from shows like the Great British Baking Show, but also just for food bloggers that make giant cakes and pies. I don't think it all gets eaten, but I understand that if you want to do a party-themed spread, well, the cake has to be big. But at least people out there are trying to make things better!
Thanks Lorraine! I have a food blog that’s separate from my Substack. My family eats the desserts I make and sometimes I give them to friends. I’ve learned to make small batches of desserts, which helps so much! Instead of making a batch of 16 cookies for a blog post I only make 6, unless I get a request to make more.
Super smart. I love that you make just enough and leave people with wanting & requesting more! Sounds like you have a great system going with your baking.
Thanks for this! I've worked in restaurants for... ever, and the food waste is massive there too!
One example that always breaks my heart is that if a server takes food to the wrong table (even if the customers don’t touch it, but the plate "touches" the table), it usually gets thrown out at most mid to upper-range restaurants. We also don’t typically give it to staff members because that might mean they won’t buy a (barely) discounted "staff meal."
So it all just goes in the bin. 😟 I was forced to waste for too long 😖, but now I always use every scrap and I waste nothing!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! There are so many people that could eat this wasted food. Especially kids who’s only meals are from the free lunch program at school. I hope that restaurants and food brands can work together to improve this issue!
I fully agree and I think the best way is to raise awareness, which your article is helping to do! 🙌