Cooper Yang

I will track the food that my household of 10 throws out so I can learn what we're wasting and why.

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.

I will have a discussion with my 2 children about the importance of not wasting food.

I will freeze leftover food items or meals for later. The freezer is my food-waste-reduction friend!

When life gives me lemons (or other citrus peels), I will use the rinds to make a nontoxic cleaner.

Bigger carts make us feel like we need to fill them! Use a hand basket to improve grocery store discipline and prevent over-purchasing.

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.

I will allow green, unripe avocados to ripen on the counter then transfer them to the refrigerator. Once cut, I will keep the pit in and rub the avocado with lemon or oil to reduce browning. I will properly store 3 avocados.

I will properly store apples by keeping them on the counter for up to 7 days and then moving them to the refrigerator.I will keep them away from bananas and avocados, since those speed ripening. I will properly store 5 apples.

I will learn about the foods that grow locally and try gleaning or foraging.