Reducing Food Waste at Home: Small Habits That Add Up

Did you know Singapore generated 784,000 tonnes of food waste in 2024, yet only about 18% was recycled? That’s the equivalent of every household throwing away an entire fridge of food each year.

Food waste is more than just wasted groceries, it also means wasted water, energy, and resources used to grow, transport and store that food. But small, mindful habits at home can make a big difference.

How to cut food waste at home:

Store food properly – Keep vegetables fresh by wrapping leafy greens in a damp cloth, or store herbs upright in a glass of water. Proper storage can extend shelf life by days.

Buy only what you need – It’s tempting to overstock, but planning meals and buying in smaller amounts helps reduce spoilage and saves money.

Use every part of your ingredients – Citrus peels can become natural cleaners, veggie stems can go into soups and stale bread can be turned into croutons.

Check your fridge before you shop – Make it a habit to finish what’s already at home before heading to the store.

Why it matters:
– Reduces household costs
– Lowers the amount of waste sent to incineration
– Cuts the carbon footprint linked to food production and disposal

At LIV, we believe eco-living starts in the everyday choices we make, especially in the kitchen. Using what we have fully, reducing waste and treating resources with care is part of living better, bit by bit.

June, Founder of LIV