Waste prevention (or source reduction) means eliminating waste before it's created. By purchasing products with less packaging, reusing what you have and eliminating waste whenever possible, you can prevent pollution, save resources, and even save some money. 

A few ways to stop waste at the start:

• Buy reusable rather than disposable products
• Bring a shopping bag to the store. Buy in bulk when possible
• Buy fresh produce without packaging
• Send e-mail instead of paper memos.

Food Waste Prevention 

Did you know 40% of all the food produced in the United States is wasted? Reducing food waste conserves resources, reduces greenhouse gases, and saves money. 

Tips to Reduce Food Waste

Strategize: 

- Make a shopping list and shop your pantry first: Before purchasing groceries, see what items you have that need to be used first. By making a list ahead of time, you can avoid purchasing ingredients you already have at home.

- Properly store items and use your freezer to increase longevity: Prepare and store your produce properly to prevent spoilage. Certain items may do better in the fridge or at room temperature on the counter. You can also freeze items that you may not be able to use in time in order to increase their shelf life. 

- Label your leftovers: Utilize labels on containers with leftovers with the prepared date so you know what needs to be eaten first. You can also create a "Eat First" section in your fridge or pantry so others in the household know what needs to be prioritized. 

Understanding Date Labels:

Food expiration dates do not always indicate food safety. Date labels have more to do with the quality and are used by manufacturers and retailers to determine peak freshness. Many foods will still be good to eat days, weeks, or even months after those dates depending on the food type and proper storage. 

- "Best Before": Indicated when a product will have best quality or flavor. Not a safety date. 

- "Sell By": Tells the store how long to display the product for sale for inventory. Not a safety date. 

- "Use-By": Last date recommended for use of the product while at peak quality. Not a safety date except for when used on infant formula. 

Regardless of the printed date, consumers should use their best judgement including their senses of sight and smell to evaluate the quality of food prior to consumption. 

Compost: 

If you have food that is no longer safe to be consumed, compost at home or dispose in your green organic waste bin.