How To Use Food Scraps

Reducing waste, and specifically, reducing the amount of food that is wasted, is a challenge that the United States faces. Every year, Americans throw away 40 million tons of food, according to RTS. This is a problem that all sectors of the economy must work together to solve.

Of course, the first step to solving the problem is to create awareness of the problem. In this case, the Environmental Protection Agency is working to create awareness of the issue, by encouraging citizens to help reduce food waste by creating ways to use food scraps.

This article will give you tips on how to use food scraps and how a creative mindset can help the environment and your wallet!

What Are Food Scraps?

Knowing what are food scraps will help you reduce your food waste. Food scraps are parts of the food that is typically thrown away instead of being eaten, such as peelings, seeds, eggshells, pits, and bones. Food scraps are often discarded as trash, but they can be put to good use if you learn how.

Why Should You Use Your Food Scraps?

One of the reasons why you should use your food scraps is that you are helping the environment. When food scraps are thrown in the garbage and taken to landfills, they are dumped into a landfill that creates methane, a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

Learning how to use food scraps is a way to reduce the amount of money that is spent on groceries, creating a mindset of saving and conserving. These scraps are just as fresh as the rest of the produce it is sourced from. Meal-kit services can also help you save time and money on preparing food.

Sustainability is important for the health of our planet and for the future of our economy. By making small changes in our everyday lives, we can reduce the amount of waste that we produce and help promote a conscious lifestyle.

Ways To Use Vegetable Scraps

The most important thing that you can do with food scraps is to avoid throwing them away. Even though you may not want to eat them, food scraps can be used for other purposes. Here is a list of items that you can use your vegetable scraps for:

1. Vegetable Broth

This can be done by simmering the scraps in water for a few hours. The resulting vegetable broth can then be used in a variety of dishes, such as soup or stews. 

2. Compost

Composting is the process of breaking down food scraps and other organic matter into compost. This can be done by using a compost bin or pile in your backyard. The compost can then be used to help improve the soil in your garden.

3. Animal Feed

If you have a pet, you can introduce food scraps to them as a source of nutrition. This is a great way to reduce the amount of food that is wasted and help your pet live a healthy life.

4. Regrow Veggies

Some vegetables, such as lettuce, celery, carrots, and green onions can be regrown from their scraps. This can be done by placing the scraps in a water-filled container and then placing the container in a sunny spot.

5. Recycle

Many municipalities accept food scraps for recycling. This can be done by placing the scraps in a designated container and then placing the container out for pickup.

Ways To Use Fruit Scraps

Fruit scraps can add a touch of sweetness, moisture, and smell to a variety of dishes and things around the house. Getting your fruits in season can also help get the best quality products for your home. Here are some ways to use food scraps:

1.  Natural Spray Cleaner

Use the rest of a lemon, lime, or orange to make a natural spray cleaner. Simply combine the fruit scraps with vinegar, baking soda, and water in a spray bottle and use as you would a regular cleaner.

2. DIY Home Deodorizer

Combine orange or lime zest, rosemary, cinnamon, and cloves to make a DIY home deodorizer. Place in a small jar and place in areas where you need a little extra freshness, such as the kitchen or bathroom.

3. Fruit Compote

Fruit compote, boiled fruit mixed with syrup and spices, is a great way to use your food scraps. The resulting fruit compote can be used in a variety of dishes, such as yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream. Start simmering the scraps in water for a few hours, and then add sugar or honey.

4. Fresh-Scented Candle

Combine apple or orange peels with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Place in a small jar and cover with melted wax. Let cool and enjoy your fresh-scented candle.

5. Fruit Vinegar

Homemade fruit vinegar can be used as a salad dressing, in marinades, or in a variety of other dishes. Start by fermenting any fruit scraps in alcohol or another vinegar for a few weeks, and then strain the vinegar, make sure you use a glass bottle for this process.

Other Food Scraps And How To Use Them

1. Coffee Grounds

Because of their high levels of nitrogen, coffee grounds can be used as a compost activator in a garden to help improve the soil. Coffee can also be used as a facial exfoliant.

2. Eggshells

Eggshells can be crushed and used as a calcium supplement for plants or as part of the composting process.

3. Tea Bags

Brew a few cups of tea and then let the tea bags cool. Gently place the tea bags on your eyes and relax for 10 to 15 minutes, this process is anti-aging and anti-inflammatory.

4. Bread Crumbs

Bread crumbs can be used to coat food before frying or baking. They can also be used in a variety of dishes, such as casseroles or pasta dishes.

Use Your Food Scraps To Reduce Waste And Save Money

The bottom line is that you can use your food scraps to reduce waste and save money. Small changes in our everyday lives can make a big difference in the long run. So, start using your food scraps and help promote a more sustainable lifestyle.

Gobble is a meal kit delivery service that is designed to reduce waste and help you save money on groceries. All you need to do is follow the simple instructions and enjoy your home-cooked meal created by one of our chefs.