How to reduce food waste with Durbl

Reducing non-plastic waste is central to the "Durbl: More Uses, Less Waste" philosophy. In the United States, about one-third of the food valued at $161 billion goes to waste. If you're becoming more aware of food waste, you're looking for ways to reduce it, from perishable produce to leftovers. But what do you do when your vegetables, meat, and fruits aren't spoiled yet and stored in the best way to extend their shelf life? We've gathered some recipes and methods to help you reduce waste and protect your wallet!

Meat and Protein

• Make Meat Sauces or Fillings: Grind or chop leftover meats and store them in reusable silicone containers and bags, ready to be used as filling for pies or as a sauce for pasta.
• Add to Soups: Enhance the flavour of vegetable or bean soups by adding leftover meat.
• Prepare Meat Salads: Dice the meat and mix it with vegetables in a silicone container or bag, then toss with salad dressing.

Vegetables

• Cook Vegetable Soup: Boil leftover vegetables to make a nutritious soup.
• Bake Veggies: Slice vegetables, season them, and bake to create healthy snacks.
• Create Salads: Chop fresh or cooked vegetables and mix them with dressing for a quick salad.

Fruits

• Fruit Salads: Cut various fruits into small pieces and combine them.
• Bake Desserts: Use fruits to make jams, pies, or cakes.
• Make Smoothies or Juices: Blend fruits with ice to make refreshing drinks.

Always pay attention to food safety and expiration dates when handling leftovers to ensure they are fresh and safe. These methods not only help reduce food waste but also allow you to enjoy a variety of delicious foods. In addition to creatively reusing leftovers, controlling your purchasing habits and proper storage in everyday life are essential to protect natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Plan Your Shopping List 

Prepare a shopping list before you go to the supermarket, considering what meals you plan to make next week and how much of each ingredient you'll need. Check your fridge and pantry before leaving, and stick to your list at the store to avoid impulse buys and potential food waste.

Proper Food Storage 

Store fruits, vegetables, and meats in durable, reusable silicone bags instead of plastic bags, then place them in the appropriate sections of your fridge to keep them fresh longer. Use mesh shopping bags as an alternative to plastic bags.

Storage Tips

1. Choose the Right Size: Pick the appropriate size of storage containers or bags to avoid wasting space.
2. Label Dates: Mark the date on food storage bags to track freshness.
3. Store at Proper Temperatures: Store foods at room temperature, in the fridge or freezer, as appropriate.
4. Prevent Cross-Contamination: Store raw and cooked foods separately to prevent bacteria from spreading.
5. Clean Regularly: Keep silicone food storage bags clean and sanitize them regularly.