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.
COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION
Planning
Create a Weekly Meal Plan
I will reduce food waste and save money by planning a weekly menu of meals and ingredients for my household of 2.
COMPLETED 10
DAILY ACTIONS
Shopping
Stick to Your Grocery List
I will only purchase the items on my grocery list and avoid impulse purchases.
COMPLETED 10
DAILY ACTIONS
Shopping
Skip the Cart
Bigger carts make us feel like we need to fill them! Use a hand basket to improve grocery store discipline and prevent over-purchasing.
COMPLETED 10
DAILY ACTIONS
Shopping
Scrutinize Deals
I will resist the suggestion to buy the quantity advertised on sale and only buy what I know I will eat.
COMPLETED 10
DAILY ACTIONS
Shopping
Eat Before Shopping
I will resist impulse buys by eating a snack or meal before going grocery shopping. Those who grocery shop on an empty stomach spend 64% more than not-hungry shoppers.
COMPLETED 10
DAILY ACTIONS
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.
COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION
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.
COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION
Storage
Create an Eat First Area
I will create an "Eat First" area in my fridge to prioritize food that needs to be used right away for my household of 2.
COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION
Cooking
Save the Peels
When life gives me lemons (or other citrus peels), I will use the rinds to make a nontoxic cleaner.
Well I made it through the first week with some downs but mostly ups. I also discovered that my food and leftovers tasted better if I stored them in glass containers instead of plastic. So now when I buy something that comes in plastic, I transfer it to a glass container as soon as I get home.
I have alot of lemons so I'm going to boil the skins and once cooled, pour the liquid into a glass spray bottle and use it for cleaning and refreshing the bathroom.
Mary Ann Knox 8/09/2025 11:28 AMI read this tip and also made note -- orange peels in winter. I do compost all these things, but will save for cleaning bottle first.