Let’s start unwasting
Meal planning before you write your shopping list is a solid way to cut down on your food waste. But let’s be honest, life rarely sticks to the script. Thursday’s dinner at home becomes dinner with friends, and Friday night takeaway? That’s practically a ritual. So, plan for the unplanned and leave some gaps in your meal plan for a leftovers night or the last-minute takeaway you know is coming.
Tip 01
Get ahead of the week
At the start, it might feel like a hassle, but once you get into the habit of meal planning, you’ll smash through it in no time. A few minutes checking what you’ve already got, getting some meal inspo and writing the shopping list means you’ll gain hours back during the week to binge-watch your favourite show. If you’re new to meal planning, you can find some help getting started here.
Tip 02
Plan for changes in plans
It’s rare for the whole week to go exactly as planned – so don’t let your meal plan limit you. Instead of locking in three meals a day, seven days a week, plan flexibly and leave the odd meal empty. Plug in the gaps with a few leftover nights or a takeaway without feeling guilty about the feast you’d planned to cook waiting in the fridge. Test out the The Great Unwaste downloadable meal planner.
Tip 03
Always have a couple of Unwaste Nights
Whether it’s the family calling dibs on the best leftovers (first in, best dressed!) or having a few go-to meals where you can confidently swap ingredients, having a regular Unwaste night on your weekly meal plan is one of the easiest ways to use up what you already have.
Tip 04
Try out meal kits
If meal planning is a struggle to fit into your schedule, why not try meal kit delivery? Pre-portioned ingredients can be a great cheat code for unwasting food. Just like when meal planning yourself, start by order less meals for the week than you think you need.
Love the list
Once you’ve made your meal plan, get that shopping list sorted! Writing a quick list before heading to the shops is one of the easiest ways to unwaste. Not only will it cut down on food waste, but you’ll be in and out of the shops in no time. Learn how to write a great list here.
