As Brian and I narrow down our plans for Japan, we’re getting more and more excited for all of the street food and fresh sushi we’ve heard so much about. Trying new foods is one of our favorite ways to experience a destination. However, with so many delicious options available, we know it can be easy to overindulge and create unnecessary food waste.
Mindful Eating for the Win
By eating mindfully, especially while traveling, food lovers like us can fully appreciate tasty bites while making sure we don’t leave any behind. In our effort to live intentionally (and not just go through the motions), we frequently take inventory of our priorities, letting go of excess and focusing on what matters. This mindset also extends to our eating habits! We try to slow down for our meals and appreciate the effort that goes into them, even on crazy-busy days.
We’re committed to enjoying food without waste. As we prepare for our next trip, we’re making a conscious effort to explore all kinds of flavors while celebrating adventure and sustainability. To help you do the same during your travels, here are six simple tips for reducing food waste on the road:
1. Book accommodations with a mini-fridge
We always look for accommodations with at least a mini-fridge when planning a trip. Having this little space to store leftovers and easy snacks makes all the difference for comfort and affordability.
If you can find a spot with a full kitchen, even better! It opens up the option to whip up meals with local ingredients (often at a more affordable price than dining out), allowing us to experiment with creative combinations and save any leftovers.
2. Plan ahead and pack smart
Take note of the proximity of grocery stores and markets near your stay. We’ve learned that a little planning goes a long way, especially when visiting more remote areas. By mapping out store locations and considering which meals to prepare versus dining out, you can better manage how much food you buy and avoid excess.
I also suggest packing some snacks for the road to keep hunger and cravings in check. When you’re out exploring, it’s easy to get carried away with food choices and order more than you can actually eat. It’s all about keeping things manageable and reducing those impulse buys! Finally, remember to bring along a reusable water bottle and coffee cup to help reduce waste and stay hydrated.
3. Consider shareable plates
We’re big fans of family-style dining, a shared experience that is practiced all over the world, from Italy and Spain to Greece, China, Iran, Ethiopia, and beyond. When traveling, choosing shareable plates and smaller dishes not only lets us explore a range of flavors but also helps us avoid piling up leftovers.
Of course, it’s important to remember that when you’re out all day, it’s smart to limit leftovers. Unless you have access to a cooler, you might end up wasting food you can’t eat later.
4. Store your food properly
Brian and I have found that travel-friendly food containers and bags are super helpful for keeping our food fresh. If we’re on a road trip, we make sure we pack a cooler to keep our snacks and meals ready for later. Proper storage is key to keeping food fresher for longer, whether in a container, refrigerator, or cooler.
5. Use up your leftovers
Honestly, we have no problem eating the same thing multiple days in a row (cue our months of celery soup!). If you find yourself holding leftovers, be sure to save time on your schedule and room in your stomach to finish them off.
However, we know not everyone shares our enthusiasm for repeat meals. If you’re not into leftovers, look at it as an opportunity to get creative. Rather than tossing out perfectly good food, try repurposing ingredients into new dishes, like searing leftover meats, veggies, and potatoes or eggs into a hash or turning roast chicken into chicken tacos or some kind of chicken salad. You can also experiment with different sauces and seasonings to give your leftovers a fresh take! Not only does this help reduce food waste, but it also allows you to make the most of what you have on hand.
6. Donate unused non-perishable food items
Despite your best intentions, you may end up with extra non-perishable foods you won’t use by the end of your trip. In the spirit of travel and adventure, you may stumble upon hidden gems or connect with new friends or locals who invite you to dinner, leaving your originally planned meals untouched.
Don’t beat yourself up if this happens! After all, the magic of travel lies in its unpredictability of new experiences. If your plans change and you end up with extra food, take a moment to find where you can donate unused non-perishables. From local food banks and initiatives to community fridges and non-profit organizations, there are often many options to ensure your unused food doesn’t go to waste! By donating, you’ll be supporting the local community and promoting sustainable tourism.
Tackle Food Waste Wherever You Go
Whether you’re on the road or spending time at home, consider making changes to embrace a more mindful approach to food. By adopting simple habits such as eating smaller portions or using up our leftovers, we can make a difference in reducing food waste. However, we can only control what we can control. The unfortunate truth is that food waste is a much larger issue that requires greater awareness and collective effort.
It’s a massive problem in the United States, where 30-40% of the food supply is thrown away each year. And yet, 47 million Americans, including 14 million children, struggle with hunger and food insecurity. It’s ironic that so much food is wasted while so many people go without. Sadly, the United States is not alone in this struggle. According to a 2021 WWF-Tesco report, an estimated 40% of food produced globally goes uneaten.
Suffice it to say, we’ve got some serious problems! So, what can we all do about it? Start small, no matter where we are or where we go. By making conscious choices about the food we buy, cook, and consume, we can help reduce waste and create positive change.
What changes will you make to your daily habits and travel routines to reduce food waste?
