The real cost of food waste

Although it’s impossible to eliminate food waste entirely, you can minimize it.

Here are some steps you can take to adopt sustainable food practices in the kitchen, so you can put those dollars back into your pocket and minimize your carbon footprint.

Plan ahead

Make a list of everything you’ll need to for your go-to meals. That way you’ll stick to just the items you need, saving money and wasting less.

Pro tip: When a meal calls for a special ingredient, plan other meals that will allow you to use it up before it spoils.

Bulk down

Even if there’s a tempting multi-buy offer, it might be better to purchase what you know you will consume.

Pro tip: Watch your portion sizes. To figure out how much food you need for each person, use this everyday portion planner Opens in a new window..

Long live leftovers

It’s not just pizza that still tastes great the day after. Leftover rice, potatoes and vegetables — even the potato skins and broccoli stalks — can provide another meal.

Pro tip: Extend the life of foods by moving excess items like berries and cheese to the freezer.

Buy local

By supporting the family farmers and small businesses in your community, you’ll also help fight pollution by reducing delivery distances for vehicles.

Change it up

Cut out meat for a day to save money and lower your carbon footprint. Meat products make up 61% of the average Canadian's food carbon footprint.⁴

Store wisely

Rotate products in your cupboard or fridge to keep the newest items at the back. Use airtight containers to keep open food fresh.

¹ Inflation Calculator, Bank of Canada Opens in a new window.

² Food waste in the home, Love Food Hate Waste Opens in a new window.

³ France Becomes First Country to Ban Supermarket Food Waste, Recycling Council of Alberta Opens in a new window.

⁴ A New Study Says Canadians Are Leaving The Largest 'Lifestyle Carbon Footprint' & Here's Why, Narcity Opens in a new window.