Ever had a full fridge of wilted lettuce leaves?! We all have a moment in the week where we are have left over food in the fridge or cupboard.
Let's talk about food waste and easy ways to combat it. Food wastage is the source of some pretty scary and confronting stats. Almost half of all fruit and vegetables produced globally go to waste, and 8% of greenhouse gases are caused from food waste.
Not only is wasting food a shame in terms of the potential it could have to feed people who are in need or starving, but wasting food also means wastage of the elements taken to produce it. Land, water, energy, labour, money and love have all been put into producing food products, of which an alarming amount is discarded.
There are many ways you can be mindful and make a difference in this world.
1. LEMONS
Leftover lemons that you have not gotten around to using can be easily sliced and placed into your freezer to be used as a refreshing zingy ice cube in your favourite drink!
2. STALE BREAD
Do your kids hate the crusts? Do YOU hate the crusts? You know that leftover piece of bread that is too hard to eat but not quite mouldy yet? Keep these for turning into croutons or blending up and making bread crumbs! Easy!
3. LEFTOVER OR BAGGED SALAD LEAVES
Those wilted green salad leaves that you can’t bring yourself to eat are perfect for turning into a delicious pesto. Simply whiz up the leaves, garlic, olive oil and your nut of choice (pine nuts or walnuts go great). Zest of lemon and a pinch of parmesan are a tasty addition. Perfect for pasta!
4. COFFEE GROUNDS
All those grounds from your morning, and cheeky afternoon, coffee are wise to be kept and made into a luxurious and deliciously scented body scrub. All you have to do is add them to some coconut or olive oil and store in an airtight container!
5. VEGETABLE PEELS AND SCRAPS Vegetable peels and off cuts like onion skins, corn cobs and even cheese rinds can be kept in your freezer until you have enough to make delicious stock or broth. Simply throw offcuts into a pot of boiling water and simmer for at least 45 minutes. Strain and discard your veggie parts into your compost!
Next time you are in your kitchen looking at an old onion or a piece of soggy lettuce, keep these tips and tricks in mind!