How do you teach students to reduce food waste?

1 Why reduce food waste?

Reducing food waste is not only good for the planet, but also for your pocket, your health, and your creativity. By wasting less food, you can save money, conserve resources, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and feed more people. You can also improve your nutrition, hygiene, and safety by avoiding spoiled or contaminated food. And you can challenge yourself and your students to use ingredients in new and innovative ways, enhancing your culinary skills and repertoire.

2 How to plan and shop wisely

One of the easiest ways to reduce food waste is to plan and shop wisely. Before you go to the market or the store, check what you already have in your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Make a list of what you need and stick to it. Avoid impulse buying or overstocking. Choose products that have a longer shelf life or can be frozen or preserved. Look for items that are in season, local, and organic, as they are likely to be fresher and more nutritious. And don't be fooled by cosmetic standards or expiration dates, as they don't always reflect the quality or safety of the food.

3 How to store and preserve food

Another way to reduce food waste is to store and preserve food properly. Follow the instructions on the packaging or the labels for optimal storage conditions and temperatures. Use containers, bags, or wraps that are airtight, leak-proof, and transparent, so you can see what's inside. Label and date your food, and use the first-in, first-out method to rotate your stock. Freeze, dry, can, pickle, or ferment food that you won't use soon or that is about to go bad. And don't forget to use your senses and your judgment to determine if food is still edible or not.

4 How to prepare and cook food

A third way to reduce food waste is to prepare and cook food efficiently and effectively. Measure and weigh your ingredients accurately, and use recipes that match the amount of food you have or need. Cut and chop your food carefully, and use as much of the edible parts as possible. Peel, core, trim, or discard only what is necessary or inedible. Save and reuse your scraps, bones, skins, or peels for stocks, soups, sauces, compost, or crafts. Cook your food at the right temperature and time, and avoid overcooking or burning it. And serve your food in appropriate portions, and offer leftovers or doggy bags to your guests or customers.

5 How to donate and compost food

A fourth way to reduce food waste is to donate and compost food that you can't or won't use or eat. Find out if there are any local food banks, shelters, soup kitchens, or charities that accept food donations, and follow their guidelines and regulations. Make sure the food you donate is safe, wholesome, and nutritious, and pack it in clean and secure containers. Compost the food that is not suitable for donation, such as spoiled, rotten, or moldy food. Composting is a natural process that turns organic waste into nutrient-rich soil, which can be used for gardening, farming, or landscaping.

6 How to educate and inspire others

A fifth and final way to reduce food waste is to educate and inspire others to join you in your efforts. Share your knowledge, skills, and experience with your students, colleagues, friends, and family. Show them the benefits and the challenges of reducing food waste, and provide them with practical tips and tools. Encourage them to adopt habits and behaviors that minimize food waste, and reward them for their achievements. And showcase your creativity and innovation by creating dishes, menus, or events that feature food waste reduction as a theme, a goal, or a value.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?