Food waste is a growing problem that occurs when edible food is discarded or left unused, contributing to both environmental and economic costs. While extreme couponing, a trend where shoppers use large quantities of coupons to significantly reduce their grocery bills, can reduce the up-front economic costs of food, it can lead to increased food waste, making those great deals not so great. Using coupons is a small way to save money, but when extreme couponers buy products they don't need or quantities that are too large to consume, this ultimately wastes money as well as the resources involved in production, packaging, and transportation. That's why it's important to coupon wisely, with an eye toward reducing both costs and waste.
When grocery shopping, it's common for people to leave with more than they originally intended to buy, especially when they shop while they're hungry. But using coupons to maximize savings can also lead people to buy things they don't really need. It's great to save a dollar or two on tofu, but if you buy six packages and your family doesn't really like tofu that much, a lot of it will probably end up in the trash. Don't buy anything if you're not sure that you'll be able to use it. Instead, make a shopping list of things that you know you'll need and stick to it.
A large amount of food is wasted before it even reaches consumers, starting from the harvest and continuing through the supply chain. Food is often discarded during packaging due to imperfections, and mishandling or long transport distances can cause damage, leading to more waste. Grocery stores also throw away unattractive or spoiled produce. To combat this, buy local produce, which is fresher, less likely to be damaged, and doesn't sit for long periods. Shopping at farmers' markets or local grocers can help to reduce food waste.
Big-box stores and discount warehouses are popular for saving money, but buying in bulk can lead to food waste, especially for smaller households. While bulk buying works well for larger families, smaller households risk items going bad before they're consumed. To avoid waste, it's better to purchase smaller amounts rather than value options, ensuring that food stays fresh and is used before it spoils.
One of the simplest ways to reduce food waste is by making sure to eat up all of your leftovers. Leftovers should be stored in sealed containers in the fridge and eaten within two to three days. Some items can also be frozen for later use. Leftovers can be reheated and eaten or repurposed into new meals, like using roasted chicken for soup or sandwiches. Proper handling during cooking, serving, and storing is essential for food safety, ensuring that these uneaten portions don't spoil and can be safely enjoyed later.