6 simple tips to use refrigerator space wisely and reduce food waste

Food waste is a major concern today. According to a 2022 report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), households waste more than one billion meals a day – almost one-fifth of all food available to consumers worldwide. While various administrative measures are being taken to raise awareness, we can take small initiatives at home, for example, organizing the refrigerator. This will keep the space clean and help reduce food waste. Wondering how? We explain.

How do refrigerators cause food waste? How does the refrigerator make us waste food?

What comes to mind when we say refrigerator? The first answer will be: a cool, dry space for storing cooked and raw food in bulk. But did you know that even refrigerated food goes stale after a while? You heard us. According to food experts, people tend to buy ingredients in bulk and refrigerate them with the intention of using them whenever they want. This leads to unwanted purchases, which causes food to sit unused for long periods of time and end up in the trash bin.

Read also: Are you refrigerating these four foods? Expert warns they become toxic

How to organize refrigerators and reduce food waste?

We bring you some practical organization tips that will help you make the most of your food ingredients. Find them here.

1. Plan your weekly shopping:

Don’t make unnecessary purchases. Prepare a meal plan for the week, review the ingredients, and then make a list of what you will need throughout the week. Not only will this help you save time during busy days, but it will also allow you to make the most of the ingredients.

2. Label foods cooked in large quantities:

Some of us like to prepare food in large quantities, while others like to organize preparation to save time in the kitchen. Either way, make sure to add dates to containers and organize them by expiration date. This will help you remember what you have stored in the refrigerator and use it when you need it.

3. Prevent pollution:

Food contamination is a major concern during refrigerationTherefore, it is necessary for everyone to understand what to store and where. Keep cooked and raw food separate. Store raw meat properly in the freezer and carry out a hygiene check from time to time to monitor the quality of the food.

Read also: How to store leftover food in the fridge? A Twitter user shares a simple solution

4. Buy organizers:

This is probably the first thing you should do before organizing your refrigerator. Get different types of containers and organizers for each type of food. Not only will this keep the space clean, but it will also help you keep track of what you have stored and avoid excessive purchases.

5. Create zones for different types of food:

The best way to approach the whole organization process is to create different zones for different types of food. This will help you control your refrigerator, organize your shopping plan, and avoid the risks of food contamination. Then, purchase containers and organizers accordingly.

6. Clean the refrigerator at regular intervals:

We suggest you spend a weekend twice a month cleaning your refrigerator. This will prevent the build-up of bad smells and germs and will also help you reach into hidden corners to find if anything is left unused.

We know that organizing the refrigerator may not be the most interesting topic to talk about, but trust us, this will be the most satisfying process ever! Try it now and enjoy a healthy and sustainable home.