

Shaun Jamison
"Get smarter about food waste. "
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 317 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO32pounds of CO2have been saved
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UP TO8.8poundsfood waste prevented
Shaun's actions
Community
Keep all food waste out of the garbage
In addition to using up my edible food, I will keep any extra scraps out of the trash by separating them for backyard composting, curbside pickup, or a drop-off program.
Storage
Be Smart About Food Labels
I will learn about food labels and not throw food out just based on the date on the package, but instead check the smell and color to see if it has gone bad.
Storage
Learn About Food Storage
I will learn about food storage and store food based on best practices to keep it from spoiling before it is used.
Storage
Befriend My Freezer
I will freeze leftover food items or meals for later. The freezer is my food-waste-reduction friend!
Planning
Sign up for Fridge Check Fridays
I will sign up for Fridge Check Friday emails, sent by Hennepin County but open to everyone, to prompt me to check my fridge for food that needs to be used up and for hacks on storing food to keep it fresh.
Shopping
Glean or Forage
I will learn about the foods that grow locally and try gleaning or foraging.
Shopping
Scrutinize Deals
I will resist the suggestion to buy the quantity advertised on sale and only buy what I know I will eat.
Cooking
Swap This for That
If I am missing an ingredient for a recipe I will find a substitute I have on hand and use that instead.
Cooking
Revive Limp Produce
I will rescue limp produce like leafy greens or carrots by soaking them in cold water or using them in recipes where appearance doesn't matter.
Cooking
Set a Timer
I will set a timer to keep me on track with kitchen tasks and cooking and baking times so that I don't ruin food.
Participant Feed
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REFLECTION QUESTIONShoppingAre you someone who typically chooses what you buy based on what is on sale? How can you make sure you don't buy more than what you need?
Shaun Jamison 8/22/2025 5:36 AMThis is a great reminder. I love a deal. But I need to focus on things I'm confident will get consumed in the right amount of time. When the kids were little, we'd buy ahead on things they loved, but then suddenly, they didn't love them anymore. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONCookingHow comfortable are you with making ingredient swaps? Where do you go to find substitutes if you don't have what you need?
Shaun Jamison 8/20/2025 2:44 PMI think the trick here is to be flexible. People can be fickle, so I ask what they'll eat so sometimes I have to be flexible on ingredients to make sure people eat what they are offered. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONCookingHow has using a timer changed your kitchen routine?
Shaun Jamison 8/20/2025 2:43 PMI set my kitchen timing for less time than suggested because the estimates can be off and impacted but how hot the oven runs, etc. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONCookingWhat successes have you had in reviving limp produce? What can you do so that your produce doesn't go limp in the future?
Shaun Jamison 8/20/2025 2:42 PMIf I notice the tomatoes going bad, I toss them in a soup or rice bowl dish fast. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONPlanningWhat have you found out since you started taking an inventory of your fridge before shopping?
Shaun Jamison 8/12/2025 8:25 AMI was exhausted on Friday, so my fridge check in was delayed. My fridge was ok, but I had lost control of my garden veggies. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONStorageDo a bit of research about foods that freeze and revive well. What can you put in the freezer that you didn't know you could?
Shaun Jamison 8/12/2025 8:21 AMI think it's more about being decisive for me. If I have leftovers, but don't have a clear plan to eat them quickly, I put them in the freezer now. -
Shaun Jamison 8/12/2025 8:19 AMI didn't realize my zucchini got so big. I looked up what to do with giant zucchini and I'm planning to make zucchini boats.-
Shaun Jamison 8/20/2025 2:47 PMMy zucchini was too tough and while it tasted and looked good, you had to scrape out the flesh. I think I needed a smaller zucchini or just to cook it separately, shred the flesh, and then put the toppings on it heat them. -
Krina Damien 8/13/2025 10:39 AM
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REFLECTION QUESTIONStorageDid you know that not all food labeling means the same thing? How have you changed your habits to decide if food is still safe to eat?
Shaun Jamison 8/01/2025 9:59 AMI've been able to eat food without throwing it away. One time I had very old pasta that somehow got missed, so I gave it away to someone for an art project. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONCommunityHow has your awareness of the food you waste changed since you started separating it from other trash? Did anything surprise you?
Shaun Jamison 8/01/2025 9:57 AMIt's definitely less messy and I appreciate that it means less waste is going to the landfill. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONStorageDid you find that you were storing food incorrectly? Which items have you changed?
Shaun Jamison 8/01/2025 9:56 AMI didn't know to refridgerate avocados once they were ripe. That's helpful.