It is surprising to note that around 1.3 Billion tons of Food, about one third of global food production, are lost or wasted annually. Even at the consumption stage, large quanitities of food are wasted and tons of food are wasted at social gatherings worldwide. Do not waste any type of food. Some important & basic steps you can take to avoid wastage of food at home / hotels / functions:-
- Before you go to grocery shop, take a thorough inventory of items you already have at home. You might not remember a lot of items that might expire soon and which you do not need to buy again.
- First of all, when you fill your cart at Grocery Store, be realistic. Do not buy whatever attract you at Grocery Store. Don't not buy items which are not in your list of groceries.
- Check the quantities of the items & its expiry dates. Be sure, you will fully utilise it before the expiry date. Do not buy unless you are going to use in time.
- Shop at different places if you need small quantity of any item. You can easily get at discounted price and will not waste the items.
- Try to avoid taking your children shopping with you. Your children will buy things and will waste most.
- Storage of your food items is most important. Store all items properly, especially in a easily visible containers.
- Put things in clear containers in fridge so that you can easily see them and recall whenever you open the fridge.
- Buy bottled water only if your tap water is not equally good.
- Always serve food in smaller portions on the plates to your family members and guests.
- Do not waste balance foods. Either have it the same day or you can give to your maid servants. If not possible, give to beggers. Or you can feed animals.
- Put back the food into the fridge only if you will definitely eat it again.
- Know how to prepare new food from leftovers.
- Don't wash pulses repeatedly. After cutting or peeling do not wash fruits as it might lead to loss of vitamins.
- Do not use baking soda too much as it will destroy vitamins B & C.
- When you order for food at Hotels/Restaurants, order for only that much quantity which you will be able to have. This not only avoids wastage of food, but also saves your money.
- If you do not require any item, give the food back before start eating instead of wasting in plates.
- If you have any leftovers after having your food at restaurant, get it packed and give it to someone who needs it.
- Do not waste food at social and religious functions.
- When you tie up with caterers for arrangment of food for your functions, make them clear, balance foods should not be wasted and should be donated to any Charity / NGOs /Non-profit Organisations / Orphanage.