Yes, every year, on average, you lose 157 euros because of a simple habit that many people completely ignore. And no, I’m not talking about a forgotten gym subscription or compulsive online shopping (although that too could be reconsidered). No, we’re talking about a slightly less glamorous but equally impactful subject: food waste.
What exactly is food waste?
It’s simple: every time you throw away leftover food or a product that has exceeded its expiration date, you are contributing to this waste. It may seem insignificant, but in France, it is estimated that each person throws away around 25 kilograms of food per year. That’s a lot, isn’t it?
But the worst part of all this is that these wasted kilograms of food amount to 157 euros thrown in the trash, without you realizing it. And I’m not even talking about the ecological impact, which is just immense.
Why do we waste so much?
There are several reasons for this, and often they come from small daily management mistakes. Here are some of the main ones:
- Promotions: We buy in too large quantities because it was a great deal… but in the end, we don’t consume everything.
- Expiration dates: We throw away products as soon as they reach the expiration date, even though many could still be consumed.
- Lack of planning: We shop without really knowing what we’re going to cook, and end up letting products go to waste at the back of the fridge.
How to avoid waste and save money?
The good news is that there are plenty of simple and effective solutions to reduce this waste and at the same time, keep your euros in your wallet. Here are some tips that will not only help you save money but also make you a true anti-waste pro!
1. Plan your meals
It may sound basic, but it’s one of the best ways to avoid waste. If you know what you’re going to eat during the week, you can buy just what you need. No more forgotten vegetables in the fridge drawer!
2. Make a shopping list (and stick to it)
The temptation is great to fill your cart with everything that looks appetizing at the moment. But often, we end up buying things we don’t really need. With a list, you go straight to the point and avoid unnecessary purchases.
3. Use your leftovers creatively
Pasta or vegetable leftovers can always be used. Why not make a salad or a quiche out of them? With a little imagination (or a few recipes found online), anything is possible!
4. Pay attention to expiration dates
There are two types of dates on food packaging: the expiration date (DLC) and the minimum durability date (DDM). The first one is strict, but the second one often allows you to consume the product even after the indicated date. Don’t throw away too quickly!
5. Freeze your food
If you see that you won’t consume everything in time, freeze your products before they expire. Freezing is an excellent solution to extend the shelf life of your food.
| Tip | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Meal planning | Less unnecessary purchases |
| Shopping list | Reduces temptations |
| Freezing | Extends the shelf life of food |
| Date monitoring | Less inadvertent waste |
A reflection on the environmental impact of waste
In addition to hurting your wallet, food waste has devastating consequences on the environment. Producing food requires a lot of resources: water, energy, agricultural land… And all of this is wasted when we throw away food. By reducing waste, you contribute to preserving the environment.
Just to give you an idea: every kilogram of food thrown away represents a significant amount of CO2 needlessly emitted into the atmosphere. So, in addition to saving money, you reduce your carbon footprint by adopting a few good habits. It’s a win-win, isn’t it?
Apps to help you in your anti-waste efforts
Because sometimes, a little help is welcome, there are also apps that allow you to better manage your purchases and save money. Among them:
- Too Good To Go: An app that allows you to buy unsold items from merchants at a reduced price.
- Frigo Magic: You enter the ingredients you have left, and the app suggests recipes to use them.
- GEEV: A platform to give or receive food products for free.
List of anti-waste apps
- Too Good To Go: Fight waste by recovering unsold items.
- Frigo Magic: Transform your leftovers into creative dishes.
- GEEV: Give or receive food products for free.
The key to sustainable savings
In the end, it’s all about habit. It’s not about depriving yourself or becoming self-sufficient, but simply becoming aware of the small gestures that can make all the difference, for your budget and for the planet.
So, are you ready to save a few euros and reduce your ecological footprint at the same time? Just change a few habits, and you’ll see the difference at the end of the year. And if you want to go even further in this approach, feel free to share these tips with your loved ones, or discover other anti-waste guides to improve your reflexes!
Don’t keep this to yourself! Share this article on your social networks to encourage your friends to save as well. Because ultimately, saving 157 euros per year is worth a few clicks, right?
Pascal Petibon, born in 1980 in Lyon, is a renowned journalist and author, passionate about information and communication. After earning a degree in journalism from the University of Paris, he quickly joined various editorial teams, where he became known for his sharp analysis and clear writing style.
