I was throwing out my garbage last night, when I thought about the huge amounts of wasted food that end up in the dumpster each year and how it could help someone’s personal finance. This is especially the case around holidays such as the Independence Day that just past since there are so many family get-together during these times.
I did a quick search online, and found an article that states:
A third of food grown for human consumption in the UK ends up in the rubbish bin, according to a survey.
Food industry and government statistics show that each adult wastes £420 of food a year.
As a Canadian living in United States with an Asian ethnic background, I feel qualified to say that the same thing happens everywhere. I’m certain that most developed countries share a similar story so don’t start hating the British people. If you think about putting that £420 (approximately $900 USD) in your retirement account and letting it grow, we will be rich in no time!
Reflecting upon myself, I think the times I waste food the most is not because I don’t pack the left over food. It is the fact that I end up having to throw some of the leftovers away because there is so much of it sometimes. I don’t have time to finish all of it before they turn bad so it ends up in the garbage can! This happens even with the food that I get from my family during the get-togethers at their house so I really need to stop this from happening.
I believe I should make an effort to be efficient with my food preparation. Before we cook (especially when there is a big dinner), I will start thinking about the amount of food that people eat, and plan accordingly. I should stop having the “I can always eat the leftovers” attitude because sometimes there is just too much.
In the cases where I am at someone’s house, I need to say no when they offer me too much food to take home. I also have to let my fiancée know the importance of this since in the end we should send the same message to our family members and friends.
Not only is this going to help us waste less food, it is going to help our budget for obvious reasons. I shall be more frugal and you should too. So share with us how you waste food and we will try to help you eliminate this habit!
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Good for you for considering your personal food waste and striving to change your ways. I’ve been researching the topic of wasted food for a while and you’re ahead of most Americans, the majority of whom don’t save their leftovers. Yet, keep in mind that leftovers, if refrigerated quickly, should last 5-7 days. Maybe planning a few leftover meals will allow you to finish them. But your idea to cook less food is probably best.
Jonathan,
Thanks for the planning leftover suggestion. I bet that would help too since I just take some of the leftovers out and eat some, eating the rest later. I can probably be more diciplined in finishing it if I plan how much I will eat and separate the approriate portions ahead of time.
MoneyNing: I think your word choice of “frugal” is a little strong. But I’m glad you are making an effort to not waste food…while you’re at it you should really recycle everything you can. I know you already recycle bottles…For instance, take a tote to the grocery store for your groceries. In SF they already eliminated plastic bags. However, if you are using the plastic bags and trash bags, then I guess that is okay too. =)
Also, by cooking less, that can help with eating in moderation. Did you mention something about not being too physically active? =)
“Frugal” is a good word choice, in my humble opinion. It doesn’t mean cheap. It means using things up and being thrifty in the process. Of late, I haven’t been as frugal with food as I used to be. I stand in agreement with you. I shall be more frugal! I think I’ll try keeping track of money I’m losing from tossing food so I can get a good picture of the savings!
Maybelle: I believe parts of Southern California are also trying to go away from plastic bags. I’ve seen some grocery stores offer paper bags instead, but unfortunately they were the “higher end” grocery stores.
Yes I use the plastic bags as trash bags later but I guess that doesn’t really help the environment too much since the plastic bags are already made.
Ann: Yeah writing down the money that is wasted and keeping track is a good way to stop wasting since you will quickly see how much you could have save (made) by not doing so!