by Marlène Bouillon, Dt.P., Ph.D., Nutritionist and doctor in physiologie/endocrinology

Eliminate individual formats in lunches
Think of all the waste you could avoid each year by removing yogurt, packaged cheeses, juice boxes and other individually sized foods from your lunch boxes! Most foods can be purchased in bulk and brought in a reusable lunch container. You can even bake your own granola bars, cookies, or muffins for snacks. As a bonus, they will be more nutritious!

Plan your menu
Did you know that in Canada, a household wastes about $1700 worth of food per year? This is often due to a lack of planning that results in many foods perishing before being cooked. Plan your meals for the week before going to the grocery store and only buy what you need so that you throw away less food.

Cooking leftovers
Do you have any fruits, vegetables or even meat that is about to perish? Don't throw them away right away. Cook soups, omelets, smoothies, etc., using your leftovers. Softened vegetables and fruit will go unnoticed!

Compost
Composting is a must to reduce the garbage bag! Today, most cities offer residential compost collection, making it simple for all. Your food residues will thus have a second life, serving as a natural fertilizer.

Replace single-use products with reusable options
As the zero-waste lifestyle gains popularity, several reusable products have appeared on the market. Discover some ideas to reduce your use of single-use products:

• Fabric bags
• Silicone baking mat
• Silicone muffin moulds
• Reusable glass, metal or silicone straws

In short, to reduce waste, a change in habits is necessary. Remember that every gesture counts and to take it one step at a time!

References
Les Canadiens, champions du gaspillage alimentaire
10 astuces économiques pour produire moins de déchets dans la cuisine
Trucs de base pour une cuisine zéro déchet