When over 5,000 American households were studied in order to learn about the amount of food they wasted, the study concluded with the staggering statistic that Americans throw away almost 70% of the food they buy. The number one reason cited for this unbelievable waste was food spoilage. There are, however, numerous techniques that will help consumers waste less of the food they buy. We’ve put together a list of ways you can use plastic food storage containers to help control food waste and save money.
First, freezer-proof storage bags are specially designed to prevent freezer burn, the chemical process that dehydrates food stored in temperatures well below freezing and makes it taste awful. These plastic food storage containers will prevent the process of freezer burn and keep your food fresh for up to 36 months.
2. Breathable vegetable bags: this is a new item on the market that is designed especially for fruits and vegetables. They work by sealing your fruits and veggies against spoilage while allowing a small amount of air circulation inside the bag. This tends to keep them fresh for much longer than conventional plastic food storage containers – depending on the produce, up to six weeks.
3. We tend to throw away small amounts of leftovers. Instead, freeze these in multi-compartment plastic food storage containers. All you need to do later during mealtime is to pop out a cube of frozen leftover, reheat and serve. You can also get innovative and freeze individual cubes of fruit for smoothies or make broth out of frozen vegetable.
4. Vacuum food storage : this is a great way to keep food fresh for longer than any other method, as well as to save space in your freezer or refrigerator. A special device extracts air from your plastic food storage containers or bags. Without air, food stays fresher longer and avoids the ravages of freezer burn. As an added bonus, bags become smaller and take up less space in your freezer or refrigerator.
Whether you’ve run out of room in your freezer or refrigerator, are trying to save money, or just want to keep food fresher for longer, using special food storage containers is the way to go. If you’re sick and tired of throwing food right into the garbage, it is time to use your refrigerator and freezer to extend the life of your groceries and achieve long term food storage.
Americans throw away almost 70% of the food they buy. The number one reason cited for waste is spoilage. Here are ways you can use plastic food storage containers to control food waste and save money. Try special containers that seal against freezer burn and keep food fresh for as long as three years, or breathable vegetable bags that prevent spoilage by allowing air circulation to keep vegetables fresh up to six weeks. Multi-compartment containers are great for storing just about anything. Vacuum food storage takes less space and protects against freezer burn. You can achieve long term food storage with special food containers.
- Robin Holland-Smith