5 Ways You Can Reduce Food Waste
Food waste is a growing global issue, with over one-third of food produced worldwide going to waste. Not only does this contribute to environmental problems, but it also affects household budgets and food security. Fortunately, small, intentional changes in how we buy, store, and use food can make a big difference.
Why Reducing Food Waste Matters in Ireland
In the most recent updated report (June 2024) from EPA.ie:
- Irish families throw away up to 120kg of food annually
- Food waste costs Irish families €700 per year
- Ireland generated 750,000 tonnes (t) of food waste[2] in 2022.
- In 2022, this was 146kg of food waste per person and it was higher than the EU average of 130kg of food waste per capita.
- As of 2022, the national annual cost of food waste was 1.29 billion euros.
By making small changes, households and businesses can significantly reduce waste and environmental impact. Here are five effective ways to cut down on food waste in Ireland.
1. Plan Your Meals to Efficiently Reduce Food Waste
Many people buy more food than they need, leading to excess waste. To avoid this:
- Make a shopping list before heading to the store.
- Check expiry dates and choose items with a longer shelf life
- Buy loose fruit & vegetables instead of multipacks to avoid spoilage.
Tip: Meal planning helps reduce impulse purchases, ensuring you only buy what you’ll actually use.
2. Understand How to Store Your Food Correctly
Storing food correctly isn't just about keeping things tidy. The right food preservation techniques are a core strategy to combat food waste. By understanding the basics of food storage, you can significantly extend the life of your groceries and reduce the amount of food that ends up in the bin.
Keeping Things Cool
First things first: know your fridge's layout. Different areas of your fridge have different temperatures that are suited for different types of food. Keep your dairy products, such as milk and cheese, in the cooler spots, while the fridge door, which experiences the most temperature fluctuation, is ideal for less perishable items like condiments. Vegetables and fruits should be stored in separate drawers.
Pantry Perfection
When it comes to dry storage, your pantry or kitchen cabinets should be cool and dark. Items like potatoes, onions, and garlic prefer this environment and can last much longer when stored properly.
Air is the Enemy
For items like cereals, flour, and pasta, keeping air out is key. Use airtight containers to prevent them from going stale and to protect them from pests. Additionally, consider using vacuum-sealed bags for food items in the freezer to prevent freezer burn and extend their storage life.
Example:
| Food Item | Best Storage Method |
| Bread | Store in a breadbox or freeze sliced bread |
| Milk | Keep at the back of the fridge (coldest part) |
| Leafy Greens | Store in an airtight container with a paper towel |
| Bananas | Keep separate from other fruit to slow ripening |
Tip: Label leftovers with the date to track expiry and use them before they spoil.
3. Use Your Freezer to Preserve Food
Freezing is one of the best ways to reduce food waste. Many foods can be frozen and used later, including:
- Leftovers – Freeze cooked meals in portion sizes.
- Bread & baked goods - Slide and freeze to prevent mould
- Overripe Fruit - Freeze for smoothies or baking
- Milk & Cheese - Grated cheese and milk can be frozen for later use.
Tip: Freeze food before it expires rather than after—it will taste fresher!
4. Set Up a Composting Bin
Setting up a compost bin is straightforward. Choose a suitable bin for your back garden or balcony, and if indoors, select bins with charcoal filters to manage odours. Successful composting involves mixing nitrogen-rich 'greens' like vegetable peelings with carbon-rich 'browns' such as dried leaves.
Make sure to give it a good stir now and then to keep the air flowing and help everything break down smoothly. Keep your compost moist to help the tiny organisms thrive, turning your scraps into rich soil. Once your compost matures, it's ready for your garden, reducing your need for chemical fertilisers. This works on a commercial scale for businesses too.
For more information on what you can and should not compost visit our: What Goes in the Brown Bin? guide.
5. Get Creative with Leftovers
Instead of throwing out leftovers, transform them into new meals:
- Vegetable scraps? Make homemade soup or broth.
- Stale bread? Turn it into breadcrumbs, croutons, or French toast.
- Overripe fruit? Blend into smoothies or bake into muffins.
Tip: Check out StopFoodWaste.ie for creative recipe ideas using leftovers.
Bonus Tip: Learn the Difference Between "Use By" and "Best Before" Dates 📆
A lot of perfectly good food is thrown away simply because people misinterpret expiration dates.
What Do Expiry Labels Really Mean?
"Best Before" = Still Safe to Eat – This is about food quality, not safety. Food may still be good after this date.
"Use By" = Must Be Eaten Before This Date – This applies to perishable items like meat, dairy, and seafood.
"Sell By" = For Store Stocking, Not Consumers – You can usually eat food past this date if it has been stored properly.
Always do a smell and taste test before throwing food away—if it looks and smells fine, it’s likely still good!
Why We Must Address the Food Waste Problem
Tackling food waste is vital, not only for environmental and economic reasons but also for ethical ones. Discarding food means wasting the resources used in its production – like water and energy – while also contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The financial impact is enormous, costing billions annually, and the ethical implications are profound, considering the global issues of hunger and food scarcity.
Reducing food waste and upcycling food products can lead to smarter consumption, more efficient food preparation and storage, and a shift towards valuing our resources more sustainably. It demands changes at both individual and business levels, including adopting better practices and technologies throughout the food supply chain to minimise waste.
KeyGreen: Helping Ireland Reduce Food Waste
Reducing food waste is a simple but powerful way to help the environment. Small changes—like planning meals, storing food properly, and composting scraps—make a big difference.
At KeyGreen, we help Irish businesses and households manage food waste sustainably through:
- Commercial composting & waste collection.
- Guidance on food waste reduction best practices.
- Compliance with Irish waste regulations.
Get in touch with KeyGreen today to explore how we can help you reduce waste and save resources.