Effortless Food Saving: Easy Ways to Cut Costs - 5 Time-Tested Strategies
Amidst growing concerns over food waste, around eleven million tons of edible food were discarded in Germany last year, according to the Federal Statistical Office. The majority of this waste originates from private households, with retail and gastronomy also contributing significantly. Yet, there are several methods to salvage and reclaim unsold food, allowing consumers to save money while reducing waste.
Rescue Bags in Supermarkets and Discount Stores
Leading supermarket chains like Kaufland and Lidl have introduced "rescue bags" filled with discounted fruit and vegetables that might be damaged or surplus from the previous day. Each bag costs just €3 and provides up to five kilograms of produce, although the contents remain a mystery.
"Too Good To Go" - A Surprise Bag Option
While the "Too Good To Go" app offers a larger variety, prices and contents can vary depending on the provider and reservation time. The app sells surprise bags filled with unsold goods from supermarkets, bakeries, and restaurants at a discount, aiming to save consumers up to 60%. However, customers often find themselves purchasing items without knowing exactly what's inside the bag, and they must pick up the bag within strict time windows.
Availability can differ based on location, with an abundant selection in cities and urban centers compared to rural areas. Nevertheless, those who embrace the uncertainty can discover real bargains and experiment with new foods.
Foodsharing - A Community-Driven Approach
The Foodsharing initiative relies on a community-building model that allows individuals to rescue food free of charge. The platform enables users to offer and request food baskets and offers an overview of "fair distributors" that collect and redistribute surplus food. The initiative fosters a sense of camaraderie among participants, whose aim is to reduce food waste.
Reduced Food in Supermarkets
For those who prefer to know precisely what they're getting, supermarkets and discounters offer reduced food items nearing their best-before dates, often at a 30% discount. These items are typically found on designated shelves or in separate boxes. While savings are limited, this approach ensures that the food is salvaged from the trash. However, the Consumer Advice Center recently found that in many cases, alternative products at regular prices were cheaper than the reduced items.
Preventing Waste at Home
Ultimately, reducing food waste begins at home. Households account for more than six tons of wasted food in Germany, corresponding to nearly 60% of all discarded food. Conscious meal planning, proper storage, and utilizing senses to determine the edibility of food can contribute to significant waste reduction. It's essential not to discard food prematurely, as it may still be fresh and safe to consume. Meat products, in particular, should not be eaten after the best-before date has passed.
Adopting these strategies can help address food waste in Germany while offering financial benefits to households and promoting sustainability. The unified efforts of individuals, businesses, and policymakers promise a future where wasted food becomes a thing of the past.
- To save money and reduce waste, consumers can consider purchasing "rescue bags" from supermarkets like Kaufland and Lidl, which offer discounted fruit and vegetables.
- The "Too Good To Go" app provides surprise bags filled with unsold items from various food establishments at a discount, helping consumers save up to 60%.
- For a community-driven approach to food waste reduction, individuals can participate in Foodsharing, a platform that allows users to offer and request food baskets free of charge.
