The Natural Resources Defense Council reports that Americans waste over 30 million tons of food annually. “That’s the equivalent of 165 billion dollars worth of food each year,” according to Lead Park Ranger Melinda Day, Period Exhibits and Historic Trades at Harpers Ferry National Park. “Everyone can save money and mitigate climate change simply by controlling what and how much they choose to eat.” Could food waste be taking a toll on your wallet? Consider the following tips to save more and waste less.

Expiration Dates: Clear Or Confused? Many consumers are prematurely throwing out food because they mistakenly believe that expiration dates are related to food safety. However, this is not necessarily the case.

• "Use By" and "Best By" Dates. These terms are usually not meant to indicate spoilage or when the food is no longer safe to eat. On the contrary, these dates are general guidelines as to when the product in question retains its maximum freshness and texture if used by this date. Beyond this date, the product begins to deteriorate, but it is probably still edible.
• "Sell By" Date. This date is used by manufacturers to tell grocers when to remove the product from the shelves. However, there may be some leeway for home usage. Try not to let this date influence your buying decisions. Either eat or freeze products before their sell by date for best quality.

Befriend Your Freezer. It would be a good idea to think about how you want to use your fresh food items before freezing. Then wash, dry, chop, dice or prepare them before placing them in clear storage containers for snacks or easy cooking. Consider what you will eat within a few days, such as bread, cheese or meat, and then freeze any excess. In order to save time later in the week, you could cook perishable items such as chicken breasts or ground beef prior to freezing. If it fits into your budget, investing in an electronic food saver system could save you money if you frequently buy in bulk.

The Three R’s. Remember to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle to cut back on the amount of trash you produce. “Food waste, as it decays in landfills, also produces methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes considerably to climate change,” explained Day. If you are hosting friends and/or family for a meal, try to avoid serving large portions that may get wasted. If your budget allows you to eat out, order only what you can finish or bring home what you don’t eat to stretch your meals. Remember that casseroles, stir-fries, soups and smoothies are great ways to use leftovers. Try to remember that composting is a simple and effective way to eliminate waste and add nutrients to your soil. 

Try Veggies Past Their Prime. You could puree less-than-perfect veggies or use them in soups or stews. If you’ve never pureed vegetables, search the internet for recipes and ideas. You can also use bargain fruit in smoothies, sauces and jams.