Let’s Talk About Food Waste
Here’s a startling fact: in the U.S., it’s estimated that up to 40% of all food is wasted, from farms to retailers to homes. Not only is that a major environmental concern, but it’s also a huge waste of money and resources. And the kicker? Most of this waste is completely preventable.
But don’t worry — tackling food waste at home is way easier than you might think.
Step One: Separate Your Food Waste
The first step in reducing food waste is simply getting it out of your garbage bin. Instead of tossing your banana peels, coffee grounds, and veggie scraps into the trash, give them a second life by composting. And no, unfortunately they don’t compost in your garbage bag or the landfill. Dedicate a separate bin just for compost. Whether your city offers a curbside organics program (yay!) or you take it to a local drop-off site, this small shift can drastically reduce your trash output.
** For my MN friends, if you live in Hennepin County, you are paying for the organics program whether or not you use it, so why wouldn’t you?! Reach out to Republic Services to get your cart. Grab some BPI certified compostable bags (so many on Amazon, just make sure they are certified) and you’re off to the races!
Once Drew and I started separating food waste from our trash, it was shocking how little “actual” garbage we were creating. We were able to switch to the smallest trash bin size our waste provider offers (honestly we could do 1x month pick ups and be just fine) — and that means savings on our monthly bill. 🤑
But What If Your City Doesn’t Offer Composting?
Good news: you’ve still got options! Before our county rolled out a composting program, we used a Lomi countertop composter. It’s a compact, odor-free device that turns food waste into nutrient-rich dirt in just a few hours — perfect for apartments, smaller households, or anyone wanting to dip their toe into composting. You can use the dirt on your house plants, in the garden, or just toss it outside. If your budget is a little tighter, check out a backyard composting tumbler!
Other creative options:
If the food is fresh or packaged, many local food shelves will happily accept your goods! + donations to qualified food shelves can be tax deductible $$$
Check out apps like Olio or TooGoodToGo
Explore local options for donating your scraps to local farms to be used as animal feed - talk about a circular economy!
Bonus: Reducing Food Waste Starts Before the Compost Bin
Composting is a great solution for scraps, but a big part of the food waste problem starts earlier. Some quick tips:
Shop with a plan so you buy only what you’ll use
Store food properly to extend its life (herbs in jars, mushrooms in paper bags, etc.)
Get creative with leftovers — stir-fry night, anyone?
Know the difference between “best by,” “sell by,” and “use by” dates
“Best by” = best flavor or quality by this date — but the food is usually still safe to eat afterward.
“Sell by” = guidance for stores to know how long to display a product — NOT a safety date.
“Use by” = last date recommended for use while at peak quality (also not a hard safety cutoff, except for infant formula).
Let’s Wrap It Up
Food waste isn’t just an environmental issue — it’s an opportunity. With just a few mindful habits, we can keep more food out of landfills, cut down on our trash, and even save some cash. Whether you’re using a countertop composter like Lomi or joining your local organics program, every little bit helps.
Ready to give it a try? ✨
With less (food) waste and lots of love,
Ali