Reducing food waste: top tips for a greener kitchen

Keep your fridge at the right temperature

The easiest way to prolong food freshness is by maintaining the correct fridge temperature which should be between 0°- 5°C. Research shows we’re in the habit of setting our fridges at least 2°C too warm, causing food to go off prematurely and be thrown away. 

Take time to read the fridge instructions to get the best performance. Pay special attention to the drawers, using the controls to ventilate them and stop produce sweating and going off. 

And try to get in the habit of taking what you need out of the fridge in one go, rather than a constant opening and closing around mealtimes for just for one item. We all do it! Try not to because it will help the fridge maintain its constant temperature and it also saves electricity.  

Organise your fridge and cupboards

Regularly rotate the items in your fridge and cupboards, placing items with the shortest dates at the front and longer dates at the back. This helps you spot what needs to be used first, making meal planning simpler and not forget about things until it’s too late. 

Also be mindful of storing food in the right position in your fridge. Items that don’t need to be cooked before eating are best stored on the upper shelves, for example, cured meats and leftovers. Dairy items and eggs go on the middle shelves and the bottom shelves, where it is coldest, are best reserved for raw meat and seafood. These items should be kept between 0°C and 3°C to lock in freshness and prevent harmful bacteria.

Understand food labels

Many people confuse “use by” and “best before” dates, leading to perfectly edible food being thrown away unnecessarily. “Use by” dates refer to safety - food should not be consumed after this date, even if it looks fine. “Best before” dates indicate quality – food can still be consumed after this date but may not taste as fresh. 

Optimise your food shopping and meal planning

When shopping, choose versatile ingredients that can be used in multiple meals throughout the week. This reduces waste and saves you money. Always make a shopping list to avoid unnecessary purchases. Pair this approach with weekly meal planning to use up your ingredients before they spoil. Preparing meals in advance and freezing them makes the most of your groceries, helps you manage portions better and saves time in the kitchen.

Embrace frozen foods

Frozen foods such as fruit, veg and fish can be a game-changer when it comes to reducing waste. These items have a much longer shelf life and are often more affordable than fresh produce. What’s more, frozen fruit and veg can retain more nutritional value, as they are picked and frozen at peak freshness.

Use a food waste disposer

Some food waste is unavoidable as it’s generated from everyday life – eggshells, fruit and veg peelings, meal leftovers and coffee grounds to name but a few.

Incorporating a Food Waste Disposer (FWD) underneath your kitchen sink is an effective way to manage everyday food waste easily, safely and sustainably. At the push of a button, food waste is liquified and flushed way through the standard plumbing pipes, reducing the waste going outside to the bin, and potentially to landfill. This not only lowers your environmental footprint but also makes daily routines easier, keeping your kitchen cleaner and more hygienic. Find out more about Our Elite Slimline FWD range HERE

Small changes can really add up to a big difference when it comes to cutting down on household food waste – benefitting both the environment and your purse. Give it a go!

Discover more about Franke’s innovative home solutions for the kitchen at www.franke.com