1. Keep a “Use Me First” bin in your fridge
That forgotten cucumber at the back of your fridge? It’s time to save it and your money. A “Use Me First” bin is a designated space in your fridge where you place all the items that are close to going bad. Think soft tomatoes, open sauces, or that yogurt with just a few days left. Putting these items front and center keeps them from getting buried and wasted.
This hack trains your household to check the bin before reaching for something new. It’s super simple and surprisingly effective at reducing food waste. According to the USDA, American families throw out an estimated 30 to 40 percent of their food supply. A visual reminder like this bin helps prevent that.
2. Store herbs like a bouquet of flowers
Fresh herbs always seem like a good idea until they turn into a soggy mess in your fridge. But storing them like you would fresh-cut flowers can extend their shelf life by days, even weeks. Just snip the stems, place them in a glass of water, and loosely cover them with a plastic or reusable bag. Keep them in the fridge and change the water every few days.
This method is a game changer for herbs like parsley, cilantro, basil, and mint. It slows down wilting and prevents slime buildup, which means fewer trips to the store and less food ending up in the trash. Research from UC Davis supports this approach, noting that water-based herb storage keeps produce hydrated and nutrient-dense longer.
3. Save veggie scraps for broth
Peeling carrots? Chopping onions? Don’t toss those ends and skins. Stash them in a freezer bag instead. Once it’s full, boil the scraps with water and herbs to create a hearty vegetable broth. It’s zero waste, super budget-friendly, and adds deep flavor to soups, stews, and sauces.
The best part? You control the sodium and seasoning, and you get to repurpose ingredients you already paid for. This method transforms what most people see as trash into treasure. Experts from the Natural Resources Defense Council say food scrap broth is a simple way to cut down on waste while stretching your grocery budget.
4. Freeze leftovers in single servings
We’ve all been guilty of shoving leftovers in the fridge and forgetting about them until they’ve gone bad. Instead, portion leftovers into individual servings and freeze them right away. This not only keeps the food fresh longer but also gives you quick meals for busy days with no extra cooking required.
It’s a habit that works wonders for reducing food waste. You’re more likely to reheat a single portion than a massive container of spaghetti that you’ll tire of after one serving. The USDA recommends labeling each portion with the date and contents to stay organized. You can also rotate meals more efficiently this way, which keeps your diet varied.
5. Compost your kitchen waste
Let’s be real. Some waste is unavoidable. But instead of sending it to the landfill, turn it into something good: compost. Peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and even paper towels can all be composted. If you don’t have a backyard compost bin, many cities offer curbside composting or local drop-off sites.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, food and yard waste make up over 30 percent of the average household’s trash. Composting keeps that waste out of landfills, where it would otherwise release harmful methane gas. Plus, compost makes nutrient-rich soil that’s perfect for gardening or donating to community projects.
6. Try beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap
Plastic wrap may be convenient, but it’s a single-use item that adds up quickly in landfills. Beeswax wraps are a smarter alternative. Made from organic cotton coated in beeswax, they mold with the warmth of your hands and form a breathable seal around containers or directly on food like cheese, bread, or fruit halves.
These wraps can be washed and reused for up to a year, saving you money while reducing plastic use. They’re also naturally antibacterial, helping your food stay fresher longer. Once worn out, they’re biodegradable. For households trying to phase out plastic, this is one of the easiest and most stylish switches you can make. Many users also report fewer odors and better food texture thanks to the breathable nature of beeswax.
7. Use cloth towels, not paper towels
Paper towels are one of the biggest sources of single-use waste in the kitchen. They’re convenient, sure, but they’re also costly over time and fill up the trash can fast. Swapping them for cloth towels, dish rags, or even cut-up old t-shirts can be a game-changer in both your kitchen routine and your environmental footprint.
Keep a clean stack within arm’s reach for spills, drying hands, or covering dough. Dirty ones? Toss them into a dedicated laundry basket and wash once a week. Cloth options are more absorbent than paper and way more durable. Plus, you can color-code them for different uses to keep things sanitary.
8. Turn stale bread into breadcrumbs
That rock-hard loaf on your counter doesn’t need to hit the trash. Stale bread is actually perfect for homemade breadcrumbs. Once you try it, you’ll never buy the store-bought kind again. Just break the bread into chunks, dry it in the oven if needed, and pulse it in a food processor or blender. Add herbs or spices if you want to level up the flavor.
This DIY approach reduces food waste and gives your cooking a boost. Toss homemade breadcrumbs on casseroles, coat chicken or fish, or add them to meatballs. Store in an airtight jar or freeze for longer shelf life. It’s especially useful if you bake your own bread or buy it in bulk.
9. Repurpose glass jars as storage containers
Instead of tossing glass jars from pickles, jams, or sauces, give them a second life as kitchen storage containers. They’re perfect for storing bulk goods like rice, lentils, or nuts. You can also use them for leftovers, smoothies, or homemade dressings. The best part? You don’t have to spend a dime on new containers.
Glass is safer than plastic for food storage, especially when reheating. It’s nonporous, dishwasher-safe, and long-lasting. Plus, using jars gives your pantry a cleaner, more organized look without extra spending. It’s also a fantastic way to cut down on plastic clutter in the fridge and pantry. It’s budget-friendly, eco-friendly, and oddly satisfying.
10. Plan your meals before grocery shopping
One of the most powerful low-waste tools isn’t a product. It’s a habit. Meal planning helps you shop smarter, cook more intentionally, and dramatically reduce waste. When you know what you’re cooking for the week, you avoid overbuying, use what you already have, and stop those “what’s for dinner” panic buys that often go uneaten.
Start simple. Write down three to five meals, check your pantry, and make a list of only what’s missing. You can build in flexibility by assigning meals to a range of days, not fixed dates. This method saves time, money, and fridge space. It also reduces how much food you toss at the end of the week. And don’t forget to plan for leftovers.
11. Regrow green onions on your windowsill
It sounds like magic, but it’s pure science and incredibly satisfying. The next time you buy green onions, don’t toss the white root ends. Pop them in a glass of water, root-side down, and set them on your kitchen windowsill. Within days, you’ll see new green shoots sprouting up, giving you a fresh batch without spending a dime.
This works because green onions are regenerative plants. They’ll continue growing as long as they get water and light. It’s one of the easiest kitchen gardening tricks and a great way to teach kids or roommates about sustainability. You’ll cut down on food waste, save money, and enjoy the fresh taste of homegrown greens anytime.
12. Shop in bulk using reusable containers
Buying pantry staples like grains, pasta, flour, and nuts in bulk isn’t just good for your wallet. It’s a huge win for the planet. Bulk shopping cuts down on excess packaging, especially plastic, and gives you control over how much you’re buying. Bring your own reusable cloth bags or jars to the store and skip the single-use stuff completely.
Many grocery stores and co-ops across the U.S. now support this kind of shopping. It may feel like a small act, but over time, it reduces a significant amount of waste from your household. Plus, bulk sections often let you explore new ingredients without committing to a whole package. It’s a mindful shopping habit that makes a real difference week after week.
13. Make your own kitchen cleaners
Cleaning products are often full of harsh chemicals, come in plastic bottles, and cost way more than they should. You can ditch them all by making your own natural cleaners with basic ingredients like white vinegar, baking soda, lemon peels, and essential oils. The result? Sparkling counters, fresh smells, and zero waste.
A simple all-purpose spray can be made by steeping citrus peels in vinegar for a couple of weeks, then straining and mixing with water. Use it to clean your counters, sink, or even your stovetop. Add a few drops of tea tree or lavender oil for an antimicrobial boost and a pleasant scent. Not only are DIY cleaners safer for pets and kids, but they also help reduce your use of plastic and lower household toxins.