Optimising the fridge - keeping the fridge tidy is not that difficult
Kira Zabe
July 24, 2024
The fridge is one of those places where food tends to disappear, only to reappear months later as a stinking corpse. It may even have dressed up in a fur coat. So it's high time you organised it properly. But how does it work and how can I keep my food in the best possible condition in the fridge? A tidy fridge has another advantage: it saves electricity. A tidy fridge makes it easier to find the food you're looking for, and you don't have to open the door as often. After all, every time you open the door, the fridge has to cool down to operating temperature, which in some appliances consumes a huge amount of electricity. It is also not sustainable to buy a new energy-saving fridge just because your old one uses more electricity but is still fully functional.
Before tidying up, we first need to clean
Before tidying and organising, the first thing to do is a thorough clean. To do this, everything has to be taken out - i.e. the food and the drawers and shelves that can be removed. The fridge should then be disconnected from the power supply. The basic cleaning can also be combined with defrosting - something that many people like to procrastinate (including me, by the way). All parts should then be thoroughly washed out. By the way, you can use vinegar water instead of chemicals. Simply mix in a 1:2 ratio. It works just as well, but is less harmful to the environment. Don't forget the handles and the eggshell! You should also give the outside of the fridge a thorough clean. Firstly, it won't have to cool down against a layer of dirt and secondly, a completely clean fridge looks much better.
What else belongs to the basic cleaning of the refrigerator
It's not just the fridge that needs a deep clean. You can also take the opportunity to clean tubes and lids. A good example is the ketchup bottle, where the rim and lid tend to get crusty - or the maple syrup bottle. You can extend the ‘big clean’ to such items - and it will look much better in the fridge.
The vegetable compartment - the Bermuda triangle for fruit and vegetables
Fruit and vegetables tend to ‘disappear’ in the vegetable compartment of the fridge (i.e. in the bottom drawer), only to reappear shrivelled and mouldy months later. Quite simply because it was no longer on your radar. In the Smantry app, you can assign food to specific storage locations. This prevents you from forgetting things.
Now it's time to start organising
To get an overview, you should first organise all the food that was in the fridge. If you like, you can also sort them by food group, for example cream to milk etc. You should transfer leftovers into space-saving boxes. Drinks can be stored in a bottle holder. This will prevent bottles from rolling around or the vegetable compartment from being cluttered with drinks. To make the most of the space in the fridge, square containers are particularly suitable.
The top shelf
This is where it is ‘warmest’ in the fridge. The temperature in the top compartment is between 8 and 10 degrees. This is where food that does not need to be cooled as much belongs. This includes butter, jam, eggs, sausage, cheese and leftovers, for example.
The middle shelf
Temperatures there are around five degrees. Dairy products such as yoghurt, cream and quark belong here. If there is no more space in the top compartment, you can also store sausage and cheese there. To make the best use of the storage space, you should use square storage containers. You can of course also label them. There are now many manufacturers who offer organisers and other products for keeping your fridge tidy. Of course, it is more sustainable to start with what you already have in the house.
The bottom shelf
It is coldest here at around 3 degrees. Meat and fish, for example, belong in the bottom compartment. In other words, perishable food.
The vegetable compartment
As the name suggests, fruit and vegetables belong in the vegetable compartment. The temperatures there are rather mild at 9 degrees. If you don't eat fruit and vegetables, you can of course also use the compartment for other foods or drinks.
The fridge door
The fridge door is particularly suitable for storing drinks or other containers that are rather tall (and sometimes disappear into the shallows). These include yoghurt pots, sauce, ketchup and/or mayo bottles, for example. Of course, butter and eggs can also be stored in the corresponding compartments.
These foods do NOT belong in the fridge - although they end up in there often enough
There are foods that should not actually be stored in the fridge. These include cucumbers, peppers and avocados, for example. Tomatoes and potatoes also do not belong in the fridge. Likewise, fresh eggs do not necessarily have to be kept refrigerated. It is usually sufficient to store them in the fridge after a few days.
In our Smantry app, you can assign the fridge as the storage location for the relevant food. This should prevent any more unpleasant surprises, such as yoghurt that has put on fur... ;)
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