One way we can really help the environment is to reduce waste of all kinds, and this includes food waste. It can have a big impact, and help to save you some money too. But we know it’s easier said than done, so here are some tips to help you…
Meal plan
Each week, before you do the food shopping, make a meal plan. Decide what you’re going to have for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks each day – then work out exactly what you need to get in order to stick to this ‘menu’. If you’re stuck for ideas for tasty meals, here are some ideas:
Breakfast ideas
Toast
Crumpets
Cereal
Bagels
Omelette
Lunch ideas
Soup
Sandwiches
Caesar salad
Chicken or veg cous cous
Cheese on toast
Dinner ideas
Pasta bake
Chicken or vegetable curry
Stir fry
Sausage and mash
Shepherd’s pie
Fish and chips
Toad in the hole
Spaghetti bolognaise
Fajitas
There are all sorts of other meals you could add to your plan, depending on your preferences and so on, but these are some good basic ideas to get you started.
Save your leftovers
The main way to reduce food waste is, of course, to not throw anything away. Get yourself some sturdy tupperware that should (hopefully) last you right throughout your university course, and be sure to box up any leftover food. This way you’ve also got your lunch or dinner ready for the next day, so you’ll be saving time especially when you’re busy! And some food really does just taste best the next day…
Check the use-by dates
When shopping, be sure to check the use-by dates and see when any food or drink needs to be consumed by. This way, you won’t have to throw anything away unnecessarily! Things like milk and meat often have quite short use-by dates, so make sure you’re double checking these before you pop them in your basket or trolley. You might have to rummage around on individual shelves, but it’s worth doing so to reduce food waste as a student.
Use your freezer space
In a student flatshare, your freezer space might be minimal – but you should make the most of it. If you can buy in bulk you’ll save a bit of money, and you’ll be able to freeze excess meat etc. And those leftovers can be frozen too! This means when you’re strapped for cash or have a really busy week, there’ll be ready-made meals sitting in the freezer so you can defrost and enjoy them rather than going hungry or wasting money on takeaways.
Try Too Good to Go
There is an app called Too Good To Go which is excellent when you’re trying to reduce food waste as a student. It’s not your own waste, but that of fast food chains and restaurants – you can pick up food that would otherwise be thrown away, at a bargain price. This means you’re getting a cheap treat, and food isn’t ending up in the bin. Everyone’s a winner!
Aim to do a big shop once a week or once a fortnight, and make sure you’re only buying what you need or will use. And some little treats, of course! It’s so important to reduce food waste as a student, both to save money and have less of a negative impact on the planet. You’ve got this!
