We don't waste on purpose. And yet, every week, a surprising amount of food ends up in the garbage. A soft cereal base, a few forgotten blueberries, a dried cracker remnant, half a softened tomato or a brick of cheese that's become as hard as a rock... It's these little accumulated leftovers that together make up a considerable amount of food waste.

But what exactly is food waste? It's when food that can still be eaten is thrown away, whether because we overcooked or overbought, or simply forgot what we already had in the fridge or pantry. The problem isn't confined to the home: it's an environmental and economic issue.

In fact, every food item wasted represents time, energy, water and money lost.

In this article, we'll explore how to concretely reduce this waste on a daily basis. The aim? To offer simple, accessible tips for better planning, conservation and consumption, while making substantial savings. Because by reducing what we throw away, we're also doing something important for the planet... and for our wallets.

Some sobering statistics

Every year in Canada, an estimated 2.2 million tonnes of edible food are wasted by households. That's the equivalent of over $1,300 per family going down the drain. And this waste isn't just a loss of money: it also has a direct impact on the environment. All that wasted food means wasted fuel, water, agricultural resources and energy. Then there are the greenhouse gas emissions produced during transportation, production and decomposition.

So, it's the little things we do every day that, when put together, can really make a big difference.

Reducing waste: tangible benefits

The good news is that by changing a few habits, we can significantly reduce the amount of food we throw away. And the benefits are many.

Saving money

By buying only what you really need and consuming what you already have, you avoid unnecessary purchases. A household that reduces waste can save several hundred dollars a year.

Gain time and clarity

A well-organized fridge, with no food left at the bottom, makes meal preparation quicker and easier. You know what you've got, you cook more efficiently and you reduce the stress of “what's for dinner tonight.

Concrete action for the environment

Reducing food waste means helping to reduce our carbon footprint, limit the pressure on agricultural systems, and take care of the planet in a tangible way.

How can you concretely reduce waste?

Here are a few simple tips you can implement today:

Take inventory before you go grocery shopping

Take a look at your fridge, freezer and pantry, then make a list based on what you're really missing. We often forget to take into account what we can't see. To simplify the task, you can use simple tools like shelves or transparent containers to organize food storage. The result: less waste and fewer headaches when it comes to preparing your meals.

Plan meals for the week

This avoids impulse buying and allows you to make more efficient use of the food you already have.

Organizing the fridge

Put foods that need to be eaten first at the front of the fridge, group similar products together, use transparent containers so you can see everything you have on hand, and label leftovers with reusable stickers so you don't forget them. Turntables and stackable bins are good solutions.

PS: You can find everything you need to organize your fridge in the Fridge & Freezer section.

Accommodate leftovers

A base of rice, a few vegetables and some grated cheese? That's enough to make a great omelette, soup or impromptu bowl lunch. Leftovers have more potential than you think... all it takes is a little imagination!

Freeze more often

If you know you won't be eating leftovers or food in the next few days, freeze them while they're still fresh. Freezing also allows you to buy in bulk to save money, but to make sure you don't lose track of everything you have on hand, remember to use a small inventory: it makes all the difference!

Correctly interpreting dates

Best before” does not mean ‘unsuitable for consumption after’. Learn to rely on your sense of smell, sight and common sense. For example, many people automatically throw away yogurt as soon as the date has passed, even though it is often still perfectly edible.

Compost unavoidable leftovers

Peelings, eggshells, chicken carcasses: all these waste products can be returned to the soil rather than ending up in landfill.

Why not start today?

Reducing food waste isn't a revolution: it's a matter of small, everyday gestures that, put together, make a real difference. By paying a little more attention to what we buy, cook and consume, we can save a lot of money and peace of mind. It's a simple and accessible way to regain control over your diet, while reducing your environmental impact.

Every food item saved from the garbage can is a victory: for your wallet, for your personal organization and for the planet. It's well worth the effort, especially when you realize just how powerful our habits can be.

So why not get started this week? Try a change, no matter how small, and see how it can simplify your cooking... and make you feel even better every day.

Source:

• Zero Waste Canada (“Love Food, Hate Waste” campaign)
• Second Harvest - The Avoidable Crisis of Food Waste
• VCMI, “The Avoidable Crisis of Food Waste” (2019), study commissioned by Second Harvest Canada.