10 Practical Ways to Reduce Food Waste at Home

In honour of Stop Food Waste Day — April 30th

Did you know that around one-third of all food produced globally goes to waste? In the UK alone, households account for nearly 70% of all food waste. That’s not just a huge environmental issue — it’s a financial and nutritional one too.

April 30th marks Stop Food Waste Day, an opportunity to reflect on how we can be more mindful with the food we buy, cook, and consume. Reducing waste doesn’t have to mean complicated changes — in fact, it’s often about doing a few simple things more intentionally.

Here are 10 practical strategies you can start today:

1. Plan Your Meals

Planning ahead makes a huge difference. Write a weekly meal plan and base your shopping list around it. Check what you already have before you shop.

Click here for my free meal planning template

2. Shop with a List

Go to the supermarket prepared. A clear list helps you avoid overbuying and ensures you only purchase what you’ll use.

3. Batch Cook and Portion

Cook once, eat multiple times. Freezing portions not only reduces waste but also saves time during busy weeks.

4. Use Your Freezer

Don’t underestimate the power of your freezer. Freeze leftover meals, fruits, chopped veg, and even herbs. Label everything to keep track.

5. Know the Dates

‘Use by’ is about safety. ‘Best before’ is about quality. Many foods are still perfectly edible after their best-before date—use your senses as a guide.

6. Store Smart

Correct storage extends shelf life. For instance, leafy greens last longer in containers lined with paper towels, and bananas should be kept away from other fruits.

7. Love Your Leftovers

Think creatively: roast vegetables become soup, stale bread becomes croutons or breadcrumbs, and fruit can be blitzed into smoothies.

8. Compost What You Can

If you can’t eat it, compost it. Coffee grounds, vegetable peels, and eggshells all break down into nutrient-rich soil.

9. Try Preserving

Fermenting and pickling are great ways to use surplus produce—and they’re great for gut health too!

10. Keep Your Kitchen Organised

Store items by date, rotate food so older products are used first, and keep an eye on what’s hiding in the back of your fridge.

Small Steps, Big Difference

Reducing food waste is a win-win. You save money, reduce your environmental impact, and make the most of the food you buy.

This Stop Food Waste Day, choose one or two new habits to try—and see the difference it makes over time.

Which of these will you try first?