Food Waste Tracker
Measure and reduce your household food waste to save money and the planet.
Enter Your Food Data
Your Waste Percentage
Enter amounts purchased and wasted to calculate your food waste percentage.
Food waste is a significant global issue with environmental, economic, and social impacts. In many developed countries, a substantial portion of food purchased by households ends up in the trash.
- Environmental Impact: Wasted food in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
- Economic Impact: It's like throwing money directly into the bin. Reducing waste saves you money on groceries.
- Resource Waste: All the water, energy, and labor used to produce, transport, and sell that food is also wasted.
By tracking your waste, you become more aware of your habits and can identify areas for improvement, leading to a more sustainable and cost-effective household.
Tips to Reduce Food Waste
1. Plan Your Meals
Before shopping, plan your meals for the week. Make a list and stick to it. This prevents impulse buys that might go un-eaten.
2. Store Food Properly
Learn the best ways to store different foods to maximize their freshness. For example, keep fruits and vegetables separate, and use airtight containers for leftovers.
3. Understand Dates
"Best by" and "use by" dates are often about quality, not safety. Learn the difference and use your judgment. Many foods are safe to eat past their "best by" date.
4. Get Creative with Leftovers
Transform leftovers into new meals. A roasted chicken can become chicken salad, and leftover vegetables can be added to a soup or stir-fry.
5. Compost
For unavoidable food scraps (like peels or coffee grounds), consider composting. This returns nutrients to the soil and reduces landfill waste.
6. Freeze Excess
If you have too much of something, freeze it! Berries, bread, and even cooked meals can be frozen for later use, preventing them from spoiling.