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5 Simple Tips to Reduce Food Waste at Home

Learn practical strategies to minimize food waste, save money, and help the environment with these easy-to-follow tips.

Fresh vegetables organized in a refrigerator

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Why Food Waste Matters

The average family throws away approximately $1,500 worth of food every year. That's not just money down the drain—it's also a significant environmental problem. Food waste in landfills produces methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

1. Know What You Have

The first step to reducing food waste is knowing exactly what's in your fridge and pantry. This is where Fridgo shines—our app lets you track every item, so you never buy duplicates or forget about food hiding in the back of your fridge.

2. Use the First In, First Out Method

When you buy new groceries, move older items to the front and place new items in the back. This simple habit ensures you use older food before it expires. Fridgo's expiration tracking makes this even easier by alerting you when items are about to expire.

3. Plan Your Meals

Meal planning is one of the most effective ways to reduce waste. When you know what you're cooking for the week, you only buy what you need. Use Fridgo's meal planning feature to schedule meals based on ingredients you already have.

4. Store Food Properly

Proper storage can significantly extend the life of your food. Keep your fridge at 37-40°F (3-4°C), store herbs in water like flowers, and keep bananas separate from other fruits to prevent premature ripening.

5. Get Creative with Leftovers

Don't throw away leftovers—transform them! Yesterday's roasted vegetables can become today's frittata. Fridgo's recipe suggestions help you find creative ways to use ingredients before they go bad.