Food waste equals money wasted and you can’t really afford either as a college student. This is a better time than ever to learn how to be more responsible with your food and avoid unnecessary waste, and these useful tips will help you do things the right way.
Smaller Portion
Unless you’re meal prepping for a whole week in advance—which isn’t easy when you live in a dorm—make smaller portions so you wouldn’t end up throwing food away.
Pantry Foods
When doing food shopping, try to focus on “pantry foods” that don’t spoil easily, such as canned foods, nuts, and dried fruits, and make them staples of your diet.
Don’t Shop in Bulk
When it comes to foods that go bad pretty quickly, such as fruits, veggies, and meats, only buy as much as you need for the next day or two so they wouldn’t go to waste.
Smart Labels
When freezing your foods, use labels that will help you navigate through your fridge. Mark the dates, use “eat this first” stickers for foods that will soon go to waste, and consider using clear containers to see what you have left.
Take Leftovers
When dining out, make sure to take leftovers home instead of throwing them away. Eat them as soon as possible so they wouldn’t go to waste, or consider labeling them with a date.
