The Power of the Fridge

Okay, let's get real: The fridge is your food's best friend unless, of course, you are talking about that weird, forgotten jar of mystery sauce back there. But seriously, a well-organized fridge makes the world of difference.

Here's how you make your fridge a saving fortress:

First in, first out: Think about your fridge as the line to the grocery store. You aren't going to cut in line in front of people who got there first, right? Same thing with food: put the newest stuff to the back and the oldest stuff to the front. That way you will use up the older stuff before it goes bad.

• Love the crisper drawer. It is not for lettuce alone, seriously. You would be amazed how much longer veggies last in there. Just make sure to wash and dry them before storing.

Clean your fridge: I know, I know, cleaning is a chore. But believe me, a clean fridge is a happy fridge. You are less likely to find any hidden moldy surprises and it makes it easier to see what you have. And it just feels good.

One more thing: check the temperature! A too-warm fridge is a virtual petri dish for bacteria. Keep that temperature at 40°F or 4°C, or below.

Tip 2: Freezer Is Your Best Buddy

The freezer is your ultimate friend when it comes to fighting food waste. It's like a time machine for your food! You can let almost everything freeze to make it last longer.

**Following are a few friendly Freezer tips :

• Don't be afraid of leftovers: Extra chicken? Freeze it! Soup? Freeze it! That last slice of pizza (don't judge me). Freeze it!

• Freeze in portions: If you freeze something, you may want to break it into smaller portions. In this manner, you can easily defrost the amount you need rather than an entire refrigerator full of food.

• Label everything: Label your freezer bags and containers with the date and contents. That way, you are able to keep track of what is in your freezer and use it up before it goes bad.

You can also freeze things that you might not think of like bananas, bread, and milk, even herbs. Google is your friend here; there is a load of information on how best to freeze nearly any food!

TIP 3 - The Art of 'Eat It Now'

Okay, so you can't freeze everything - like, a banana smoothie's good for the day. But you can still be all food-saving cool! It is now time to use up the freshest ingredients first.

**Here goes:

• use the oldest stuff first. Remember that 'first in, first out' rule? Apply it to your pantry too.

• plan your meals: Before you go shopping, take a look at what's in your fridge and pantry. What needs to be used up soon? Plan your meals around those ingredients.

• Get creative: If you are about to lose a bunch of vegetables, get creative and make a delicious salad, stir-fry, or soup. Or even better-make that smoothie!

The Magic of Storage

It is not just a matter of where you store your food but how it is stored. A little bit of toil goes a long way in the prevention of food waste.

Here are some storage hacks that will help keep food fresh for longer:

Airtight containers: Air is the enemy of fresh food. Keep fruits and vegetables, as well as leftovers, from drying out with airtight containers.

The right kind of bag: Not all plastic bags are born equal. When storing fruits and veggies, opt for breathable ones that can allow them to breathe.

• Keep dry: Moisture feeds mold and spoilage. Make sure your fruits and vegetables are dry before putting them away, and never store them in damp conditions.

And one more thing : don't overcrowd your fridge. Food needs to breathe!

Tip 5: The Power of Information

Knowing how to store food is simply not good enough, you need to know for how long it lasts. So before anything becomes a chilled item, just glance at the label for a second or two.

Here's where to find that info:

• Best by/Use by: Most food packages have a 'best by' or 'use by' date. Most dates are there to help you decide the quality but also pay much attention to these dates.

• USDA is your BFF: The USDA website, and app for that matter, has a gold mine of information on food storage and safety.

• Don't trust your nose: Your nose can be a little deceiving at times. Because something doesn't smell bad doesn't mean that it is okay to eat. If in doubt, it is always better to err on the side of caution.

It sounds like such a huge thing to save money and reduce food waste. Well, let me assure you, it can be done. And with just a few minor adjustments, you can make a huge difference. You, too, can be a food-saving superhero! ????

Conclusion: Let's Make a Change

Great, we have gone over a great deal of ground. But perhaps the most vital thing is to begin making those small changes that all add up into one major difference. Whether you are an expert at food saving or only just began, it's always possible to learn something new. So, what is holding you back? Start saving some food-and money-already!

Did you know?

In the United States alone, the average family of four throws away about $1,500 worth of food each and every year! An awful amount of money and food are not used. With these tips, however, you are well on your way to making a difference. It is time to fight against those food-saving demons.