From 2015 to today, weekly food waste per capita in the country has decreased by 95 grams, from 650 grams to 555.8 grams. The perception of the link between waste and environmental impact is growing, however the objective set for 2030 – reaching 369.7 grams – still appears distant.
In 2025, ten years after the launch of the UN Agenda 2030 and nine years after the Gadda Law against food waste, Italy continues to record values higher than the European average: progress can be observed, but the pace remains insufficient.
Food waste that affects the family budget, and not only that. While citizens are careful not to throw away food, there are also those who throw away, without thinking, what remains on their plate.
However, we need to work first on eliminating waste, in our own small way. As? It doesn’t take much by following a few simple precautions.
All it takes is 10 rules that we can all apply.
Shopping list
We start even before sitting down at the table, writing the list of things to buy based on real needs.
For further information: PRACTICAL TIPS TO REDUCE FOOD WASTE STARTING FROM WEEKLY SHOPPING
Seasonal and 0 km
Better to choose seasonal foods, purchasing them directly from the producer. Authenticity and lowest prices guaranteed especially for fruit and vegetables.
Correctly rearrange the groceries in the fridge
As we know, each shelf has a temperature and is suitable for certain foods. But not everything must necessarily be placed in the refrigerator.
For further information: 10 FOODS THAT DO NOT NEED TO BE KEPT IN THE REFRIGERATOR
Freeze products
Freezing vegetables is especially useful if you need to quickly manage large quantities of vegetables, perhaps coming from your own garden. Or even if we want to stock up for the winter, guaranteeing ourselves some portions of “summer” vegetables even beyond autumn.
For further information: 10 TRICKS AND TIPS FOR FREEZING FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
Clean pantry and closed, reusable containers
It is very important to keep the pantry clean to avoid insects and parasites. This is why it is useful to use rigid containers for storing foods such as pasta and flour
For further information:
Labels and expiry date
It is very important to read the nutritional labels and pay attention to the expiry date but know that in some cases the products can also be consumed a few days after the date printed on the package.
For further information: When to consume foods regardless of the expiry date
Amount
Let’s not exaggerate. We try to regulate the quantities brought to the table, in order to avoid unnecessary waste.
Maintenance of fridge and stove
Useful for avoiding energy waste, also reducing the risk of high bills.
For further information: Refrigerator: 4 questions and 6 tips for correct hygiene and cleaning
Recipes with leftovers
If something remains after a nice lunch or a rich dinner, we can always eat it the next day or reuse it for new and tasty recipes.
For further information: Advanced pasta: 10 tasty recipes
Foodsharing
If there is too much food and you can’t freeze or recycle it, there is still a solution and it involves sharing it with friends and neighbors.
