Reducing Food Waste

At Greetwell Purchasing Solutions, we strive to be as eco-conscious as possible and understand that food waste is a significant issue. In the UK alone, approximately 9.52 million tonnes are wasted every year (Waste Management, 2024). This figure spans all major stages of the food chain – from production and processing to retail and households. 67% of this waste could have been used if the proper precautions were in place. Here, we share some of the best ways to store and make the most of common foods, helping them last as long as possible.

Bread

Bread is one of the most wasted products in the food industry because of its short shelf life. People often forget it in their bread tin until it turns green and mouldy. To help prevent this, you can store bread in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture and mould growth. If you know you won’t get through it in a few days, it’s an easy item to freeze! Frozen slices can easily be toasted or thawed as needed.

Fruits and Vegetables

In the UK, people waste around 170,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables every year by overbuying or letting them spoil. A good tip to extend their life is to remove the spoiled fruits/vegetables from the rest as one bad apple (or carrot) can spoil the bunch.. Most fruits and vegetables should be stored in the fridge, on the right shelf as improper storage can lead to faster spoilage. Leftover veggies are perfect for soups and casseroles. Meanwhile fruits that are past their best can go in smoothies, reducing waste and boosting your daily nutrients.

Dairy Products

Milk alone accounts for 490,000 tonnes of waste yearly, making dairy a major contributor. Always use containers with tight seals for dairy products, keeping them fresher for longer. If you find it difficult to finish larger sizes, try opting for smaller containers to avoid pouring expired milk down the drain. Hard cheeses that are close to their use-by date can also be grated and frozen to use in recipes.

Meat, Poultry and Seafood

Meats and seafood are highly perishable and costly, making proper storage essential. Store them in the fridge or freezer to keep them fresh, and use them within the recommended timeframe to minimise waste. Freezing is a great way to preserve these items if you’re not planning to use them within a few days, but remember to thaw safely and cook promptly to avoid contamination.

All of these products listed above may have slightly different guidance so always remember to check them specifically and adjust where needed!

Planning Your Meals

One of the biggest ways to save on food waste is by carefully planning your meals for the week. When doing this, you can keep in mind recipes that use similar ingredients so you have little waste. For instance, a Sunday roast with chicken, vegetables and potatoes could be used the next day, blended into a soup. You could also save the chicken carcass to make a rich broth.

By planning ahead and using leftovers creatively, we can all help to make a positive impact on reducing food waste while also getting the most out of every meal!