Food waste is the discarding of edible food. It is a problem because it wastes valuable resources such as water, land, and energy that went into producing the food. Additionally, it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change when food breaks down in landfills.

Some easy ways to reduce food waste in the kitchen include meal planning, using up leftovers, freezing excess food, composting food scraps, and purchasing only what you need.

Meal planning helps reduce food waste by allowing you to only purchase what you need for the week, reducing the likelihood of food going bad before it can be used. It also helps you use up ingredients before they expire by planning meals around them.

Some ways to use up leftovers include incorporating them into new meals, such as making a stir-fry or soup, or using them as toppings for salads or sandwiches. Leftover vegetables can be blended into a smoothie, and stale bread can be turned into croutons or breadcrumbs.

Freezing excess food can help prevent it from going bad before it can be used, allowing you to save it for later. This is especially useful for items like bread, meat, and vegetables, which can be frozen for later use.

Composting is the process of breaking down organic material, such as food scraps and yard waste, into nutrient-rich soil. It helps reduce food waste by diverting it from landfills, where it can produce harmful greenhouse gases, and instead turning it into a valuable resource for gardening and agriculture.

Purchasing only what you need helps reduce food waste by ensuring that you are not buying more than you can use before it goes bad. It also helps save money by preventing food from being thrown away unused.