Did you know that around 6.7 millions tonnes of food is chucked in the bin each year by households in the UK? With food prices on the rise along with the cost of the living crisis, we’ve put together some top tips for reducing your food waste, saving some money and helping the planet! 

1. Plan it out

It may not feel glamorous, but one of the easiest ways to reduce food waste is by planning your meals for the week ahead. By only buying what you need to make the meals you have in mind, you won’t spend extra money on ingredients you don’t need. 

Planning ahead doesn’t have to be boring! Take a look at some of Jank Monroe’s low cost recipes here: sure to inspire and tickle your taste buds! 

2. Set your budget

Shopping to a budget can really help you become more conscious of what you’re buying, and can also help with any impulse purchases. There are some really helpful gadgets in supermarkets these days which help you keep track of your shop price, but you can always go the trusted route of using the calculator on your phone, or doing your shop online to help you keep an eye on your total. 

If you’ve never put together a food budget before, we can help! Click here for more information on our free budgeting course, designed to help you feel in control of your money. 

3. Write a list

To help curb any impulse buying when you’re doing your shopping, write yourself a list. This will help you stay on task: if it’s not on the list, leave it on the shelf! Even if something’s on offer, it may feel like a good deal in that moment, but it’s more money on the bill at the end of the trip. 

4. Supermarket Sales Tactics

Speaking of special offers, remind yourself that the entire purpose of any discount or offer is to get you to spend more money. Some may be a genuine saving, but most discounts are offered on things like snacks and treats rather than staples that actually fill you up at mealtimes. Have you ever bought something on a buy-one-get-one-free and found you got through both in the same amount of time one would have lasted? 

5. Don’t shop hungry! 

I’m the first to admit to doing it: there’s nothing at home, I’m hungry, so I pop to the shop. Somehow, when I step inside, even with a list in hand, everything – especially snacks and treats – seem almost irresistible, and I leave with far more than I planned or budgeted for! 

It’s not always possible, try to eat before you go shopping. A full stomach means you’re less likely to be distracted by the growling in your belly and more likely to stick to your plan. 

6. Get Creative! 

Leftovers are common in every kitchen, but before you scrape that plate into the bin or throw away the bit of carrot you have left over, take a moment to think about how you might give it a second chance. 

Bananas going brown are perfect for banana bread; bread crusts make perfect mini-pizzas with a bit of puree and cheese. Some leftover pasta with a fresh bit of salad can become tomorrow’s lunch. Vegetables (cooked or raw!) can be whizzed up into soup that can be eaten or frozen. 

All this does take an extra bit of creativity and thinking power, so don’t take on too much at once! Perhaps try one or two things for this week and see how you get on. 

If you enjoyed these tips, you’d love our free Life:Ready course. We look at building strong foundations and healthy habits in life – click here to find out more!