Each week since March 2008, in order to motivate her to waste less food, Kristen The Frugal Girl, has posted a picture of any food that has gone bad over the last seven days. She found this embarrassing practice so helpful, to her, that she invited other bloggers to post their own photos, and Food Waste Friday was born.
I started participating in October 2010 and have found, 4-years on, the amount of food I waste is minimal. Every Friday, as part of my No Waste Tastes Great routine, I account for all my potential food waste as well as confessing to any items that I failed to save.
Kristen kindly asked me to host Food Waste Friday, alternate weeks and her initial invite for everyone to join in is cordially extended here!
I could not resist linking to the lovely Mr Michael Bublé this morning.
(The embedded link didn’t work – so have removed! Playback not allowed on other websites – but you may be able to hop on over to YouTube and watch it there https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANGWy_b_ovY )
Christmas has kicked in at Chez Wright. (I’ll be cracking open the Bublé next week – the start of December).
Why this track?
The inspiration behind this weeks title, is due to a comment I left over at The Frugal Girl’s Food Waste Friday post.
My Friday fridge can look a little bare:
As I said!
I have been called irresponsible for this minimal amount of foodstuff, a while back and in the comments of a blog I no longer really read.
Being criticised wasn’t my reason for moving on. Constructive criticism is always gratefully received.
However, I do not feel my approach to grocery shopping, and food stocks is irresponsible.
We’re very lucky in that where we live I have access to food 24/7. Within walking distance the majority of the time.
Because I effectively meal-plan, I should have what I need for the week.
I have great neighbours, and should I be stuck for an item (mid-recipe) I can confidently call on them to help. (Previously I’ve also been criticised on-line, for borrowing an egg from a neighbour).
When it comes to perishables, I’m happy to sail a little close to the wind. I’d rather borrow an egg (and replace it) than waste an egg.
I know my approach would not work for everyone, and it shouldn’t. We all live in different places, and in different circumstances.
But it kind of works for us.
p.s I have no waste this week. Fan-buddy-tastic!
I’m, curious, how do you manage your food stocks?
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As long as you have some shelf stable food items to get you through an emergency I don’t see the problem.
Also, a tablespoon of flax or soy flour with the same amount of water can sub for an egg in many recipes. I also usually have a few eggs frozen to pull out when in dire need. Just a thought.
Thanks for that tip! Really handy to know. And believe it or not, I’ve never thought about freezing eggs! Will investigate! Thanks
As long as you have some shelf stable food items to get you through an emergency I don’t see the problem.
Also, a tablespoon of flax or soy flour with the same amount of water can sub for an egg in many recipes. I also usually have a few eggs frozen to pull out when in dire need. Just a thought.
Thanks for that tip! Really handy to know. And believe it or not, I’ve never thought about freezing eggs! Will investigate! Thanks
Freezing eggs – now that is a brilliant idea I never thought of!! Thanks, Sandy…
Yes fab idea!
Freezing eggs – now that is a brilliant idea I never thought of!! Thanks, Sandy…
Yes fab idea!
Never heard of freezing eggs before either, and having just recently had to shop for more eggs mid-bake (my neighbour wasn’t home to ask!) that sounds like a great solution…will have to investigate. Thanks 🙂
Just crack the egg(s) into a bowl, stir together with a fork and pour into containers to freeze. I usually freeze them in 2 egg quantities.
Never heard of freezing eggs before either, and having just recently had to shop for more eggs mid-bake (my neighbour wasn’t home to ask!) that sounds like a great solution…will have to investigate. Thanks 🙂
Just crack the egg(s) into a bowl, stir together with a fork and pour into containers to freeze. I usually freeze them in 2 egg quantities.
Gosh, I think you are fan-buddy-tastic to be living your life in such a responsible way, and you do inspire me to try not to waste things. How strange that people need to criticise. How did your one time only shop go? I was wondering as I drove home last night. Something else that made me think about a different way of doing things! Penny Lxx
It went okay Penny, thanks for asking. I didn’t *quite* get *everything* but what is missing I can pick up without making any special outings. Feeling very sorted, which is good because December will be all about ‘doing things’ rather than ‘buying things’.
Gosh, I think you are fan-buddy-tastic to be living your life in such a responsible way, and you do inspire me to try not to waste things. How strange that people need to criticise. How did your one time only shop go? I was wondering as I drove home last night. Something else that made me think about a different way of doing things! Penny Lxx
It went okay Penny, thanks for asking. I didn’t *quite* get *everything* but what is missing I can pick up without making any special outings. Feeling very sorted, which is good because December will be all about ‘doing things’ rather than ‘buying things’.
wow, I am mystified that someone would call you irresponsible for your food habits. I keep thinking of things I want to say regarding this, but never mind. I will say that I am very impressed with your organization, and commitment to fight food waste, which is awful! And it sounds like your family is well fed, and you are close to shops if a need arises. Well done!!!
just to clarify, food waste is the awful I was referring to!!
Thanks Trish – it’s been a while back since I was criticised – and it doesn’t happen often. I think I appreciate why they were so appalled – although I do not agree. I appreciate that some people live in places where power outages are frequent, and that a trip to the store is miles away. Where I live its unlikely we will ever go short on food! Thank you for your encouraging words! It’s appreciated!
wow, I am mystified that someone would call you irresponsible for your food habits. I keep thinking of things I want to say regarding this, but never mind. I will say that I am very impressed with your organization, and commitment to fight food waste, which is awful! And it sounds like your family is well fed, and you are close to shops if a need arises. Well done!!!
just to clarify, food waste is the awful I was referring to!!
Thanks Trish – it’s been a while back since I was criticised – and it doesn’t happen often. I think I appreciate why they were so appalled – although I do not agree. I appreciate that some people live in places where power outages are frequent, and that a trip to the store is miles away. Where I live its unlikely we will ever go short on food! Thank you for your encouraging words! It’s appreciated!
I admire your fridge pictures. What is irresponsible is what my fridge looks like. I buy to much or buy the right amount and then get home from work and end up not cooking. I would love to have an almost empty fridge and you inspire me to make that my goal.
Just going to second what Trish said above because they were my thoughts exactly. Why in the world would someone criticize you? You are taking good care of yourself and your family in a responsible way. Two thumbs up from here 🙂
Thanks Susan! 🙂
Just going to second what Trish said above because they were my thoughts exactly. Why in the world would someone criticize you? You are taking good care of yourself and your family in a responsible way. Two thumbs up from here 🙂
Thanks Susan! 🙂
http://www.veeseasyvegan.com/vegan-eggnog-with-ginger-and-food-waste-friday/:
I have some waste this week I am sharing as well as a delicious recipe for vegan eggnog.
My freezer is a little scary, am going to tackle that soon 🙂 Have a lovely week Jo!
Need to take a look at that eggnog!
http://www.veeseasyvegan.com/vegan-eggnog-with-ginger-and-food-waste-friday/:
I have some waste this week I am sharing as well as a delicious recipe for vegan eggnog.
My freezer is a little scary, am going to tackle that soon 🙂 Have a lovely week Jo!
Need to take a look at that eggnog!
Not much, but much of it was my fault:
– 1 apple, which went bad because the bruise that I was too lazy to cut out, took over. The reason I didn’t eat it was stomach flu (aka viral gastroenteritis) but I could have frozen it for smoothies.
– 1 avocado, which I didn’t use soon enough. I bought it to make a fancy nacho snack in honor of my nibling’s visit; I don’t like avocado myself.
– Two bites of chicken. See stomach flu, but I could have tossed it into already-frozen leftovers (soup, pasta, something) to eat later.
Saves:
– I finally made myself start meal planning again. I don’t feel like doing it, but dinner time is definitely easier now.
– Started Thanksgiving prep already. Meal is mostly planned. Duxelles are made and frozen. Giving thought to what guests could bring rather than making myself.
Hope you’re feeling better?
Enjoy Thanksgiving!
Not much, but much of it was my fault:
– 1 apple, which went bad because the bruise that I was too lazy to cut out, took over. The reason I didn’t eat it was stomach flu (aka viral gastroenteritis) but I could have frozen it for smoothies.
– 1 avocado, which I didn’t use soon enough. I bought it to make a fancy nacho snack in honor of my nibling’s visit; I don’t like avocado myself.
– Two bites of chicken. See stomach flu, but I could have tossed it into already-frozen leftovers (soup, pasta, something) to eat later.
Saves:
– I finally made myself start meal planning again. I don’t feel like doing it, but dinner time is definitely easier now.
– Started Thanksgiving prep already. Meal is mostly planned. Duxelles are made and frozen. Giving thought to what guests could bring rather than making myself.
Hope you’re feeling better?
Enjoy Thanksgiving!