Food waste is a major issue not only for the environment but also for your wallet. By learning a few smart strategies for meal planning, freezing, and proper storage, you can stretch your grocery budget and make a positive impact on the planet.

Meal Planning to Minimize Waste

Meal planning is one of the most effective ways to cut down on food waste:

• Create a Weekly Menu: Plan meals around ingredients you already have at home to avoid buying duplicates.
  
• Use Perishable Ingredients First: Organize your meals so the most perishable items, like leafy greens or berries, are used early in the week.
  
• Shop with a List: A focused grocery list prevents impulse purchases that often lead to food spoilage.
  

For more tips, visit Save the Food, a comprehensive resource for meal planning and waste reduction.

Freezing to Extend Food Life

Freezing food is a simple way to extend its lifespan and prevent waste:

• Freeze Fresh Produce: Chop and freeze fruits like bananas, berries, and spinach for smoothies or cooking later.
  
• Batch Cook and Freeze Meals: Make double batches of soups, stews, or casseroles and freeze individual portions.
  
• Proper Packaging Matters: Use freezer-safe bags or containers and label them with the date for easy tracking.
  

A little freezer organization can save you from tossing perfectly good food.

Smart Storage Tips to Keep Food Fresh Longer

• Use Airtight Containers: Prevent spoilage by storing dry goods, leftovers, and fresh produce in airtight containers.
  
• Know Your Fridge Zones: Store dairy in the coldest part (the back), fruits and vegetables in separate drawers, and condiments in the door.
  
• Understand Best-By Dates: “Best-by” dates indicate peak quality, not safety. Many foods are still good to eat after these dates if stored properly.

Stretch Your Budget Even Further with Cashback Apps

In addition to waste reduction, maximizing grocery savings helps your budget stretch even more:

• Fluz: Before heading to the store, buy a discounted grocery gift card with Fluz by earning cashback at stores like Kroger, Safeway, and BJ’s Wholesale Club.
  
• Rakuten and Ibotta: Activate grocery cashback offers with Rakuten and Ibotta to add even more savings on top of smart shopping habits.
  

Final Thoughts on Reducing Food Waste

Small changes in how you plan, store, and freeze food can make a big difference for both your wallet and the planet. By combining food waste reduction strategies with smart shopping tools like Fluz, you can live more sustainably while saving money every time you shop.