Living well on a shoestring

Food waste is a huge issue in Australia where it is estimated 20% of food we buy is wasted. We don’t check what’s in our fridge and pantry before we go shopping, we buy too much, we forget to use what’s in the fridge. Fresh food gets left too long and spoils and we throw it out. This time of year around Christmas food waste is much more noticeable. It is a skill you can learn to not waste food. I’m good at not wasting food primarily because I’m very good at “making do”. I can make a meal by looking at what I have and putting ingredients together in creative ways without having to resort to recipe books. Every time I open the fridge I do a quick scan of what’s in there and mentally make a note of what needs using up, quickly. I grew up living some distance from the shops and without transport. The only way to get to the shops was to walk. Walking there was ok but coming back with heavy groceries was another matter. Therefore we “made do” with what we had. I learnt from my mother who was very good at this. By not wasting food I save significantly on my food bill. Wasting 20% of your food budget really adds up. Per year it must be enormous.