Love for the environment should very closely affect our food choices, from the moment of shopping to the time we get to the stove to cook, up to the time to sit down at the table. If when we set the table we should be used to avoiding disposables, how can we learn to avoid wasting food? From leftover portions to over-bought foods, let's try to give you some tips that will not only allow you to reduce the weight of waste produced, but also save you money.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
Love for the environment should touch ours very closely food choices, from the time of expenditure to the one in which we put ourselves in the stove to cook, until it is time to sit down at the table. If when we set the table we should be used to avoiding throwaways, how can we learn to avoid waste food? From leftover portions, to over-bought foods, we try to provide you with some tips that will not only allow you to reduce the weight of the waste produced, but also of save money.
1. Try to organize your refrigerator as best as possible. Always put leftovers in the front row, preferably placing them in glass containers, so that you always have them in view so that you can remember to use them. Remember that foods, even if they have been cooked, spoil quickly. It would be better to consume the leftovers within 24 hours. Always remember to check the Expiring dates and to program yours weekly menu also based on those foods that will be consumed before the others.
2. Try to re-evaluate the usefulness of yours freezer. If you find that you have prepared tomato sauce or pesto in excess, you can think of freezing everything using i yogurt pots. If you have bought a lot vegetables, but you realize that you will not be able to consume it in time, cut it into cubes and freeze it in special trays or bags. You will have a side dish or a mix for minestrone ready to use when you want. The same goes for the fruit. If you remember to freeze raspberries and blueberries in summer, you will have the opportunity to consume these delicious fruits even during autumn and you can use them for the preparation of fruit salads, desserts and smoothies.
3. It can happen to advance a small portion of lasagna, risotto or side dish. Try not to give in to the temptation to throw it away. Mini portions can be handy to add to packed lunch the next day. Leftover vegetables can be stored in the refrigerator and used the next day as seasoning for pasta. With the leftover risotto you can prepare delicious croquettes. Just a little imagination!
4. To save when buying your food, try to plan ahead the dishes you will prepare during the week and draw up a very precise shopping list based on the ingredients you will need. The operation will force you to re-examine what you already have available in the refrigerator, freezer and pantry, in order to avoid unnecessary purchases. Remember to take the list with you when you go shopping and don't let yourself be tempted by the maze of shelves. Buy only what you have really need.
5. And if, despite having followed the previous points, you find yourself again with leftovers, address them to compost! Have a garden real or a small garden on the balcony, preparing the best possible natural fertilizer yourself will allow you to avoid buying it, saving money. Then take a look at the instructions for build a DIY composter and for start making compost.
Marta Albè
