Food blogger Carleigh Bodrug, creator of PlantYou, discovered the financial and environmental toll of food waste while testing recipes at home. Her research revealed that home cooks are a significant part of the problem—often tossing usable ingredients and leftovers without a second thought.
According to Bodrug, the average family of four wastes approximately US$1,500 worth of groceries annually. But she says that with a few intentional shifts in how food is stored, repurposed, and prepared, households can easily cut over US$1,000 in unnecessary spending.
Indeed, the United States Department of Agriculture estimates that 30% to 40% of the American food supply is wasted, a staggering figure with consequences far beyond individual kitchens. Reducing food waste not only helps save money, but also eases pressure on landfills and emissions.
Click through the following gallery to discover how to make the most of your groceries, with smart tips and ideas that turn scraps into savings.