Avoid food waste: Strategies for better housekeeping
Kira Zabe
October 17, 2024
Each year, approximately1.3 billion tonsof food is wasted globally. This isn’t just a waste of valuable resources like water, energy, and labor—it also means that a significant amount of money is thrown away. You might think that the hospitality industry is the main contributor to this problem, but the reality is different. Around40% of global food wastecomes from households, making them the biggest offenders. The good news? Reducing food waste at home is actually easier than you might think and can have a huge impact on both your wallet and the planet.
This highlights just how important it is to tackle food waste on a personal level, and with simple actions, each of us can make a difference!
Well planned is half as much thrown away
A good purchase needs to be well planned, regardless of whether you are a consumer shopper (which is what we are in our household, for example) or a stock shopper. The shopping list is essential. You can write it down on an old-fashioned piece of paper or digitally on your smartphone. There is now an app for almost everything. Before you go shopping, you should think about what your menu might look like for the week (for us, that's every day or every two days). Then you should check what you have left in the house. Incidentally, the shopping list always helps me to only buy what we really need, which in turn has a positive effect on my wallet.
Don't shop hungry
How often has this happened to me? I've gone shopping with a growling stomach and suddenly, for some inexplicable reason, the shopping cart was full to the brim. Since then, I've gotten into the habit of eating at least a snack before I go shopping.
Best before - not immediately expired
The best-before date simply indicates the date until which the manufacturer guarantees that their product is still edible - provided it is unopened and stored correctly. Once the best-before date has been reached, this does not mean that you have to dispose of the product immediately. Rely on your sense of taste and smell. If the food still tastes good and smells appetizing, then it is very likely that it is still edible. I know people who have even eaten yogurt that had been expired for over a year - and they survived. However, I am careful with meat and fish that is past its best-before date.
Get inventive when cooking
Personally, I can't stand it when I have to throw food away. We recently had a case at home with eggs that were a few days past their best-before date. So we spontaneously decided to make spaghetti carbonara. One egg didn't pass the “egg test” and had to be thrown away, but we were able to use the rest without any problems. So if you have food in your fridge/storage cupboard at home that has reached its best-before date, why not see what you can conjure up from it? I find that one-pot dishes are perfect for using up food that is about to expire. If it gets too much, you can simply invite friends over and eat the portions together.
Weekly planning is the key
To prevent food from being bought pointlessly and then thrown away, you should plan at least roughly what you are going to eat throughout the week. For example, Monday spaghetti, Tuesday schnitzel with chips and vegetables and so on. Planning your week can help you to go shopping in a targeted way. For example, I'm currently testing out a cooking box, which I'll blog about later. If you have the opportunity, you can also go shopping in an unpackaged store and get the exact amount of food you need. This is also good for the environment as it saves on packaging waste.
Freezing, preserving, canning
Food can of course also be preserved by freezing, preserving, canning or dehydrating it.
Correct storage
The shelf life of food naturally also depends on how it is stored. What belongs in the fridge should of course be stored in the fridge (logical, right?) and dry food should be stored in such a way that it cannot absorb moisture or is protected from pests.
Bonus tip: Use the Smantry.app
If you want to fight food waste, our Smantry.app can be a very helpful tool. With the help of our app, you can get a targeted overview of what food you still have at home. After shopping, simply scan the barcode and assign the right storage location to the food in question. As the cherry on the cake, you can also record the best-before date for the respective food in our app. Our Smantry.app also allows you to keep track of what food you still have in the house and how much of each product - so it no longer disappears into the depths of the freezer or store cupboard.
New laws on food waste in Spain
Spain has recently passed a groundbreaking law to combat food waste. This law requires all actors in the food chain, from producers to retailers, to implement specific plans to prevent food loss.
Key provisions of the law:
Obligation to donate surplus food: Supermarkets with a floor space of more than 1,300 square meters are now required to form partnerships with non-profit organizations to donate surplus food that is still fit for consumption. These donations are exempt from value-added tax.
Offer of packaging for leftover food: Restaurants and bars are required to provide their guests with free, reusable or recyclable packaging so that they can take home uneaten food. The aim is to raise consumer awareness of food waste and encourage them to take leftovers with them.
Promotion of the sale of products with approaching expiration dates: Retailers should offer products that are nearing their expiration date or have aesthetic defects at reduced prices to encourage their sale and reduce waste.
Hierarchy of priorities for dealing with surplus food: The law establishes an order for handling surplus food. Priority is given to human consumption through donations. If this is not possible, the food should be used for the production of processed products. The last options include using it as animal feed or for energy generation.
Sanctions for violations:
Companies that violate the provisions of the law can expect fines ranging from 2,000 to 500,000 euros.
Critique and Outlook:
While the law is considered an important step in the fight against food waste in Europe, there is also criticism. Some voices argue that the strict framework of sanctions could disproportionately burden companies and that the law does not sufficiently address the role of consumers, who are responsible for a significant portion of food waste.
Nevertheless, the law is seen as a significant advancement in reducing food waste and promoting a more sustainable awareness in society.
Join in and reduce food waste! 🌱📲
Spain's new law demonstrates: Sustainability starts in the pantry! With the Speisekammer App you can keep track of your groceries, plan meals efficiently, and avoid unnecessary waste.
👉 Download the app now and join the movement for less waste and more conscious consumption! 💚 Try it now!
Sustainable barbecue – how to make your BBQ eco-friendly & delicious
The sun is shining, the evenings are getting longer – it's finally BBQ season again! But even when barbecuing, you can save a lot of CO₂, avoid waste, and even be really creative. In this blog, we'll show you how sustainable grilling works – without sacrifice, but with lots of flavor and responsibility. 🌱🔥
1. Shop regionally & seasonally
The foundation for sustainable grilling starts with shopping. Instead of relying on grill classics that have traveled far, it's worth taking a look at what's available locally:
- Seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms are perfect for grilling.
- Fruits like peaches or pineapples add a sweet touch to the grill.
- Regional cheese or Tofu from European organic soy are great alternatives to imported or meat-heavy products.
💡Tip: Use the Smantry App to see what ingredients you have at home and what you can conjure up with them.
2. Less (but better quality) meat
Meat has a high carbon footprint – but you don't have to give it up entirely. Pay attention to:
- Organic quality
- Species-appropriate husbandry
- Regionality
Alternatives such as marinated cauliflower, halloumi skewers, or homemade lentil burgers are not only climate-friendly but also really tasty.
3. Grill without aluminum foil
Aluminum foil is harmful to the environment – and can even be hazardous to health when heated. Instead, use:
- Stainless steel grill pans
- Grill baskets
- Banana leaves or corn husks as natural packaging
- Reusable skewers made of stainless steel or wood
4. Upcycling Recipes: Smartly Repurposing Leftovers
After barbecuing, there's often something left over. Here are a few ideas:
- Grilled vegetables can be turned into a salad or wrap the next day.
- Bread leftovers are turned into crispy croutons.
- Fruit leftovers are perfect for a fruity iced tea or sorbet.
The Smantry App helps you keep track even after the BBQ – and avoid wasting food.
5. Conscious Grilling: Ambiance over Mass Production
Sustainable grilling also means: Less is more.
- Eat consciously, instead of preparing extra-large portions
- Plan your shopping efficiently and without excess with the app
- Avoid single-use products like plastic cutlery or paper plates – a BBQ is more enjoyable with nice dishes anyway!
In conclusion: Sustainable grilling is easy – with the right planning
With a little preparation and creativity, your barbecue will not only be delicious, but also good for the environment. And the best part: You don't have to make any compromises. The Smantry App helps you to use everything you already have – for less waste and more enjoyment.
🔥 Open the app now, check supplies, and grill sustainably!
Have fun with your barbecue –
your team at Smantry 🍢🌽♻️
Ice cream from leftovers? Here's how to make homemade zero-waste ice cream! 🍦♻️
Even better: You can easily make your own ice cream using ingredients that might otherwise end up in the trash. Overripe bananas, leftover yogurt, or the last bit of almond milk – all of these are perfect for whipping up a delicious and sustainable ice cream in no time.
Why homemade ice cream?
You know what's inside. No additives, no artificial flavors.
You save food. Many leftovers are perfect for freezing.
You save money.Buying ice cream is a thing of the past – your freezer is now the ice cream parlor.
3 simple leftover recipe ideas for ice cream:
🍌 1. Banana Peanut Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- 2 very ripe bananas
- 2 tbsp peanut butter (or other nut leftovers)
- 1 shot of plant-based milk
Preparation:
Slice bananas, freeze them. Then blend with the remaining ingredients – and your creamy Nicecream is ready!
🍓 2. Yogurt Berry Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of plain yogurt
- Leftover frozen berries or fresh berries that have become soft
- 1 tsp honey or syrup
Preparation:
Mix everything and either eat immediately or freeze in ice molds.
☕ 3rd Coffee-Chocolate Slush
Ingredients:
- Leftover coffee from the morning
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- A piece of overripe banana or some agave syrup
- Ice cubes
Preparation:
Crush all ingredients in a blender – a caffeinated summer dream!
Even more leftovers? No problem!
With Smantry you can see at a glance which ingredients you have at home – perfect for creating your own ice cream. This way, your leftovers can become little summer highlights.
In conclusion:
Leftover utilization has never been so tasty! 🍨
So: Open the freezer, scan the leftovers, and start mixing!
👉 Use the app now and waste nothing
♻️ For the love of your supplies – and ice cream.
Food waste in international comparison – Who does what?
🇫🇷 France – Legally Against Waste
France is considered a pioneer in the fight against food waste. Since 2016, supermarkets have been prohibited from throwing away edible food. Instead, they must donate or repurpose it. Schools and universities are increasingly focusing on educational programs for sustainable nutrition. As a result, France is now among the countries with the lowest proportion of wasted food in Europe.
🇰🇷 South Korea – Smart Waste Fees
In South Korea, households pay for their food waste by weight – through RFID chips in garbage bins or special garbage bags with barcodes. This financial incentive has led to South Korea now recycling 95% of its organic waste. The system is combined with extensive educational efforts and the promotion of biogas and composting facilities.
🇩🇰 Denmark – The movement comes from below
Denmark relies on the power of the community. Initiatives such as "Stop Spild Af Mad" (Stop Food Waste) have sparked societal debates. Moreover, supermarkets like Wefood exclusively offer food products past their best before date – and at low prices. The acceptance among the population is high, and schools are actively incorporating the topic as well.
🇯🇵 Japan – Tradition Meets Technology
In Japan, food waste is also culturally associated with a strong sense of shame – this helps. Additionally, there is a focus on innovation: companies use AI for better inventory planning or apps that indicate when food should be consumed in the household. Bento shops also use data to precisely adjust their offerings to the daily demand.
🇩🇪 Germany – Between Movement and Potential
Germany is making progress: Initiatives such as Too Good To Go, Foodsharing or apps like the Speisekammer App / Smantry help to reduce waste in everyday life. Legally, however, it is not as advanced as France – although the pressure is increasing. 40% of the wasted food occurs in private households – this shows how important individual solutions are.
🌍 What we can learn from it
Whether through smart technology, legal requirements, or social movements: the fight against food waste needs many perspectives – and all are important. The good news: every single step counts.
With the Speisekammer App / Smantry you can start right at home – with smart pantry management, reminders for expiring food, and clever shopping planning.
👉 Discover the app now and make your contribution: smantry.com