Save money and help the planet.
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| | | Wasting food is my No. 1 pet peeve. Not only is it like throwing away money, I can't help but think about all of the resources — water, land, energy — that went into creating that product, all for it to end up uneaten in the trash. | | Today, Leigh Hendricks, a wellness coach at sister site Real Appeal, is here with some savvy advice on how to cut down on food waste. | | | | | | | Listen up,
Ginger Wojcik
Newsletter Editor, Healthline |  | | Written by Ginger Wojcik
August 5, 2025 • 4 min read | | | | | |  | | | | Q: | What are some practical tips for cutting down on food waste? | | | A: | According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), nearly 40% of food in the U.S. goes uneaten and heads straight for the trash each year. This is bad news for your budget and even worse for the planet. But cutting down on food waste doesn't mean living on scraps. With a few clever actions, you can eat well, save cash, and be an eco-hero. All with minimal stress!
Here are seven smart and practical ways to waste less and make the most of every bite.
🏆 Become a meal-planning champion
Before hitting the store, check what's already in your fridge and plan meals around it. This prevents buying duplicates and ensures everything gets used. It also saves time and money.
💓 Store it like you love it
A little storage savviness keeps your food fresher, longer. Most fruits and vegetables won't thrive tossed together in the fridge like a produce mosh pit. Store herbs upright in water, keep leafy greens dry in a sealed bag or container, and know what ripens what (bananas = bad roommates).
🦠 FIFO is your new kitchen mantra
"First In, First Out" means the oldest food gets used first. Give that forgotten hummus or Tuesday's chili a prime spot up front before they start growing their own personalities.
🧑🍳 Portion like a pro
Dishing out feast-sized servings might feel generous, but it usually leads to waste. Start with modest portions. You can always go back for more.
🏹 Scraps = Secret weapons
Get creative and give your scraps a starring role before they hit the trash. Carrot tops can make pesto. Stale bread can be turned into croutons. Veggie peels are broth gold!
📅 Don't fear the date label
"Best by" doesn't mean "dangerous after." Most dates are about quality, not safety (baby formula is the exception). Studies show we toss tons of good food just from date confusion. So, before you dump it: sniff it, check it, trust your senses. Your nose knows.
🌱 Compost what you can't save
Not every scrap is destined for dinner, but it doesn't have to hit the landfill. The EPA recommends tossing food waste in a compost bin and turning that potential trash into treasure (if you have the space for it!). Many cities also now offer city composting pickup.
A few mindful moves in your kitchen can lead to a lot less waste and a lot more savings and satisfaction. Now is the time for your fridge glow-up! | | | | | Leigh Hendricks, Wellness Coach | | | Want to learn more about food, diets, cooking, or some other nutrition subject? Let us know at nutritionedition@healthline.com and we'll look into it for you! (Heads up, we may use your response in an upcoming newsletter.) | | | Sponsored by | |  | | | | | Simplified healthcare | | | | |  | | LifeMD | LifeMD gives you easy online access to setting up appointments with healthcare professionals, including primary, urgent, and chronic care. You'll also find discounts on many prescription drugs, such as GLP-1 medications, to help you manage your weight.
With LifeMD, you can get these medications prescribed online (no in-person visit needed). Click below to check whether this treatment option is right for you. | | | | Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Now's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Now are owned by RVO Health. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | What we're digesting | | 🧑⚕️ 16 questions to ask an endocrinologist about osteoporosis. This specialist can help you understand treatment options and how to prevent bone fractures. | | 🚨 Your guide to understanding exercise-induced anaphylaxis. Heads-up: This is a rare condition. | | 🤕 When should I seek emergency medical care for migraine? Here are five signs you shouldn't dismiss. | | ✅ 11 life changing health products recommended by our team. Healthline editors say these items are truly indispensable. | | | | | How did you feel about this newsletter? | | | | | Email nutritionedition@healthline.com with comments related to this newsletter or topics you'd like to see in future editions. The newsletter editors read every message that lands in our inbox — yes, really! We look forward to hearing from you. | | | | Until next time, |  | Take care of yourself, and we'll see
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