Food waste reduction through creative cooking and proper storage

Efforts to reduce household food waste can be supported through creative cooking and proper storage techniques. According to Eurostat data, households accounted for 53 percent of all food waste in 2023, with the average resident discarding approximately 69 kilograms of food annually.

To minimize waste, experts suggest utilizing leftover ingredients such as stale bread for croutons or soup bases, and using overripe fruits for smoothies or desserts. Monika Anilionė, sustainability manager at Lidl Lietuva, notes that products past their ‘best before’ date are often still safe to consume, as these dates frequently refer to quality rather than safety.

Proper storage is also critical for preserving seasonal harvests. Experts from UC Davis advise against storing ethylene-producing fruits, such as apples, bananas, and tomatoes, near sensitive vegetables like cucumbers, which can wilt more quickly due to ethylene exposure. Additionally, temperature and humidity management within refrigerators play a vital role in maintaining the freshness of various produce types.