Food Waste

So far, food waste has been one of my biggest struggles throughout this process. I have noticed that much of my waste comes from ordering/purchasing too much food and not being able to finish it. In other words, my eyes are bigger than my stomach, and oftentimes, my indecisiveness and desire to try everything on the menu does not serve me well, and I end up wasting a lot more food than intended.

After coming to this realization, I decided I had a few options. I could work on my portion control and plan meals to avoid over ordering. I could be more thoughtful about what I do with my leftovers and make sure to set aside a few nights a week to actually finish the leftovers or bring them home to my family/pets. And if I have done these things and am still left with unavoidable waste, I can compose my food scraps.

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There is a Co-Op in Austin called "Wheatsville", that does a really great job managing food waste. I went for visit and spoke with a worker, to get the low down on what they do with their food instead of throwing it out.

She explained that employees are given first dibs on any surplus food not sold. Whatever remains unwanted by the staff is then donated to a local food bank. Any remaining or expired food is responsibly composted.

Wheatsville also had a GREAT bulk section including all kinds of pastas, coffee beans, nuts, snacks, and cereals, refillable soaps and lotions, and glass water containers, all sustainable and waste free alternatives!