Make every bean count as you strive for absolutely zero food waste (or as close as possible). How many of these hacks do you already use? How many more can you try during your Zero Waste Challenge this November?
- Did you know that banana skins are edible? Marinating and frying them will make a great meat substitute. Try them shredded in tacos or as bacon in a homemade burger.
- Freeze, freeze, freeze! So many ingredients can be frozen to prevent them going to waste. Bananas can be used for smoothies or desserts like banana bread; berries can be stirred into porridge, bread and cakes; and grating cheese before you freeze it allows it to be added straight to dishes like pasta.
- Check what you’ve already got in your cupboards and fridge before you shop. It won’t just help you reduce food waste – it will save you money too.
- Planning is key. Tupperware and containers are your friends. Plan your meals for the week ahead using our Zero Waste Challenge weekly meal planner. Don’t forget to think about how you’re going to use up the leftovers.
- Strawberry tops are edible. Next time you make a smoothie don’t cut them off. Give them a good scrub and chuck them in.
- Broccoli stems are delicious. Don’t chuck out all that green goodness, you can boil or roast them just as you would the floret.
- Don’t think about chucking away that lemon or lime skin. Grate it down and store the zest for future use in cakes, sauces or dressings.
- Check your fridge temperature. It should be between 0-5°C. Some foods, especially dairy products, will go off much quicker if it’s warmer.
- Repurpose existing leftovers into a new meal. For example, if you’ve got a leftover soup, why not use that as stock for risotto the next day?
- Garlic skins can be fried up and used as a crispy topping for soup or egg fried rice.
- Get every last drop of flavour from that empty jar. If you’re at the end of your peanut butter jar, add soy sauce and miso paste. Shake and you’ve got yourself a peanut stir fry sauce.
- Older bananas are perfect in a banana pancake mix. Three mashed bananas can make five pancakes. It’s a crowd pleaser if you’re making brunch for friends or family.
- Compost more for a healthy garden. You can compost lots of different things, from coffee granules to fruit and vegetable waste.
- Plant your avocado pits and veggie seeds and watch them grow.
- Potato stamps are a fantastic family activity. Any old spuds sprouting at the back of the cupboard? If they are beyond the point of eating, then why not get crafty and carve them into stamps for children? These can be a great tool for paintings or even a starting point to create cute Christmas cards as December approaches.
Looking for more help and inspiration? Join our Zero Waste Challenge Facebook Group to get chatting with other like-minded Zero Heroes and the FareShare team. You’ll get plen-tea more food waste hacks, tips and support.
