South Africans waste 9 million tonnes of food every year and during the festive season this figure increase by 25%.
With the festive season here, you might be worried about the volumes of food you will be wasting as friends and family come for a visit.
Earth Probiotic CEO and co-founder Karen Heron says the festive season does make people not to think clearly.
Speaking to Azania Mosaka, Heron says the reason for these volumes of waste is as a result of being busy and more people coming over.
We are over catering because we have a lot of friends and our minds are thinking of a million people that are coming around for a meal while in fact it's a few people.
Karen Heron - CEO and co-founder - Earth Probiotic
Have a written plan and finding out with your guests about their dietary requirements.
Karen Heron - CEO and co-founder - Earth Probiotic
Heron shares a few tips on how to save money and food this festive season.
1. Reduce choices
If you are hosting an event, prevent over-catering by not reducing food choices.
Buy less more frequently.
Plan your meals and buy according to the plan – don’t buy for those 'just maybe and in case and what if' imaginary cases.
Plan and implement
Men shouldn’t shop! Research has shown that they are less likely to stick to a plan than women. Write down a shopping list and stick to it.
Buy local and buy seasonal
Not only will you be supporting your local farmer and manufacturer but you also will reduce waste.
Get your storage right
Buy appropriate containers (preferably glass with silicon lids which can be reused again and again) and also store in the right place.
Get creative with leftovers
Think ahead of how you can preserve your leftovers and create these new meals.
Recycle and compost. Divert food waste from landfill.
As a last resort, once you’ve reduced and reused, you can compost your food waste.
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This article first appeared on 702 : Tips on how to avoid wasting food this festive season