The food wasted globally is staggering. Despite that we make 5000 calories per person, when we only need 2500 calories, 733 million people go hungry everyday and nearly 3 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet. Globally, 25-30% of food is lost or wasted from farm to the household to landfill and it is estimated to contribute 8-10% of greenhouse emissions to global warming annually. It is estimated that 22% of food we buy ends up in landfill, so it is worth having a rethink about how much food you are buying. In fact, it probably the best place to start before changing your diet and you could save a lot of money.

Do not buy BOGOF or two for three offers on perishable food

Do not get tempted by the offers of ‘buy one get one free’ (BOGOF) or ‘two for three’ on perishable goods. Research suggests you will probably end up wasting your money and throwing it in the bin. In the UK, the average household throws away two kilograms of food a week, the equivalent of eight meals.

Plan your meals and check your fridge before you shop

If you plan your meals beforehand, it is easier to buy just what you need and not get tempted by offers. Also, if you check your fridge for ingredients that you already have before you go out shopping, you will avoid buying ingredients you do not need, which could rot in your fridge and end up in the bin.

Freeze food

To make food last longer, you can put it in the freezer. Almost everything can be put in the freezer: meat, fruit, vegetables, bread, eggs, milk and dairy products. Meat can last up to one month longer or more when it is put in the freezer and bread can last for 3 months longer. Fruits and vegetables need to be sliced before being put in a resealable bag and freezing. Eggs need to be cracked open and mixed before storing in the freezer.

Best before end dates are not precise

Best before ends dates do not mean that the food is inedible and should be thrown away. It means that the food is at its freshest up till that date. So, do not throw away food just because it has reached its best before end date. Putting it in the freezer will keep food fresher for longer.