How to reduce food waste

The average Canadian household wastes approximately $1,766 worth of food annually (40 per cent of the food produced in Canada). That’s over $46 million of food wasted in Airdrie alone!

Why does it matter if food ends up in the landfill?

Organics need oxygen to turn into soil, which are not present in a landfill. Food buried in a landfill releases methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times stronger and more harmful to the Earth than carbon dioxide. They also create leachate, a toxic liquid from garbage, which has to be collected and treated to protect the environment.

• Organize your fridge with most perishable foods in one area. Check out our downloadable fridge makeover sheet (PDF).
• Get creative with leftovers, like using them to make frittata, soup or a casserole. Try this delicious use-it-up frittata recipe (PDF).
• Make a weekly meal plan before you go shopping
• Take inventory of food you have in your fridge before shopping and only buy what you need.
• Buy less food more often so your fresh food doesn’t go bad before you get to it.
• Learn how to pack a litterless lunch, and lunches with proper portions.
• Donate food you don’t need to the Airdrie Food Bank or give it away before it spoils. The Airdrie Food Bank accepts food, including produce, in un-opened packages. Please check with the food bank for what they are currently accepting or in need of, and how to donate.
• If you end up having to throw food away, remember to use your organics cart.