8 Simple Ways to Reduce Food Waste (3 of 5)

4. Get Creative with Leftovers

Leftovers don’t have to be boring. With a little creativity, they can become entirely new meals. Turn leftover rice into flavorful fried rice, mix roasted vegetables into a hearty soup, or use extra meat in wraps or salads. Smoothies are a great way to use overripe fruits, and stale bread can be transformed into croutons or breadcrumbs. Reinventing leftovers helps you maximize what you already have while adding variety to your meals.

5. Compost Food Scraps

Even with careful planning, some food waste is inevitable. Composting offers a sustainable solution by turning food scraps into nutrient-rich soil. Collect compostable items like vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and fruit scraps. Add them to a compost bin or outdoor pile to create organic fertilizer for your garden. Composting reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, lowering methane emissions and closing the loop on food waste.