Did you know that 119 billion pounds of food is wasted in the United States every year? In the same way, the average American family of four throws out $1,600 a year in produce. Since packaging waste is a major contributor to environmental pollution and global warming, it’s now more important than ever to reduce your waste to help the planet! Making small changes in your daily routine can greatly reduce this impact. So, let’s dive in on how you can make a positive impact on the environment through these daily choices.    

Planning your meals is a great way to reduce the waste in your household! By taking a few minutes each week to plan out your meals and make a grocery list, you can avoid overbuying and throwing away excess food or creating unnecessary waste. Planning your meals is also a great way to implement a healthier diet since you are making conscious decisions about your purchases.  

By using your leftovers in a creative way, you can not only save money but also help the environment by reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Instead of throwing away those extra vegetables from last night’s dinner, use them in a hearty soup or stir-fry. Leftover rice can be transformed into delicious fried rice or turned into a tasty rice pudding for dessert. Even bread that is past its prime can be repurposed into croutons, breadcrumbs, or even bread pudding. The possibilities are endless!  

Composting your leftovers and food waste is possibly one of the best ways to give back to the planet! Not only does it divert organic waste from ending up in landfills, but it also provides nutrient-rich soil for gardening and landscaping. Composting can be done at home using kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other biodegradable materials to make a nutrient waste pile that not only benefits your plants but the planet. No matter when you start a compost pile, you can compost anytime for year-long eco-friendliness! 

Proper food storage is not only essential to keeping your food fresh and safe to eat, but it also plays an important role in reducing household waste. By storing your food properly, you can prevent your food from spoiling sooner and ending up in the trash. You can start by investing in reuseable-airtight containers, labeling your leftovers with dates, and even freezing your leftovers for later, which can make a difference in reducing your overall household waste.  

According to Statista.com, humans currently produce more than 350 million metric tons of plastic waste per year. By opting for items that have less packaging, you can greatly reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills! Products with excessive packaging often cost more due to the additional materials and processing required.  

One of the most efficient ways to reduce food waste in your household is by buying in bulk. When you purchase in bulk, you can control the portion sizes more effectively. This can prevent overbuying which often leads to food spoilage and more waste for your household. Similarly, many foods that you can buy in bulk have a longer shelf life. With proper storage, you can extend the life of the products you buy. Lastly, buying in bulk can be more cost-effective. This not only saves money but also can reduce the amount of food that ends up in landfills. 

Single-use plastics have become a major environmental concern in recent years, with an estimated 8 million tons of plastic entering our oceans every year. You can start reducing this impact by making small changes such as using reusable water bottles and grocery bags when you’re out and about. In some cases, some grocery stores have the option for you to recycle your used and unused plastic grocery bags in store in an effort to reduce plastic waste.  

By making conscious choices while shopping, you can greatly reduce your household waste and make a positive impact on our planet. Check out our list below of the best smart shopping tips you can use to reduce your household waste: 

• Go digital with your shopping list 
• Choose perishable items with the latest expiration date 
• Consider frozen products for a longer shelf-life 
• Prioritize perishables  
• Rotate your stock 
• Grow your food scraps 
• Choose loose produce over pre-packaged ones 
• Support local businesses 
• Limit processed foods 
• Learn how to interpret “best before” and “use by” dates

Regularly cleaning out your fridge isn’t just a great way to maintain food safety and freshness, but you can reduce your waste too! Cleaning out your fridge on a regular basis allows you to take inventory of what’s going to expire and what needs to be used up. More space in your fridge can increase the visibility in your space which can make assessing your groceries and food needs much easier. In the same way, cleaning out your fridge can help prevent overbuying which can lead to potential food waste in the future. 

Many commercial cleaning products come in plastic bottles and containers. By making your own cleaning solutions at home, you can reduce your consumption of single-use plastic packaging. In the same way, DIY cleaning products are made out of natural ingredients like vinegar and lemon which can minimize the use of harmful chemicals in your home. 

Choosing to live an eco-friendlier lifestyle doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. By implementing these simple tips into your daily routine, you can make a positive impact on the environment and reduce your household waste. Every small effort counts towards creating a more sustainable future for our planet. 

Santanna Energy Services is a supplier of renewable energy solutions in the United States, providing services to Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio. We provide a wide range of energy services and products to meet the needs of both residential and small business customers. Our mission is to provide innovative and cost-effective energy solutions that will help our customers achieve their energy goals. With over 35 years of experience, we are committed to creating life-long relationships by providing quality service to customers, communities, and employees.