How to Reduce Food Waste at Home

Practical tips, easy wins, and low-waste habits that stick

Food waste can feel like a big problem—which it is. But here’s the good news: most food waste happens at the household level, which means you have the power to change it. At Misfits Market, we’re committed to making that easier, whether it’s helping you store your produce better, freeze more effectively, or get creative in the kitchen.

Here’s how to reduce food waste, starting right at home.

1. Plan Your Meals and Shop Intentionally

It sounds simple, but planning ahead is one of the most effective food waste solutions. Make a list before shopping, and try to buy only what you need—especially for perishable items like greens and dairy.

Tip: Use a “first in, first out” system in your fridge so older items get used before newer ones. Learn more: How FIFO Can Help You Make the Most Out of Your Groceries

Keep reading: How to Make Your Food Last Longer: Tips for Reducing Waste and Saving More

2. Store Food the Right Way

Knowing how and where to store produce can extend its life and reduce spoilage dramatically. Some fruits give off ethylene gas, which can cause nearby veggies to ripen (and rot) faster. Others do better out of the fridge entirely.

These fruits and vegetables don’t need to be refrigerated and prefer the countertop—some might surprise you
Don’t put potatoes and onions near each other, and these other fresh fruits and veggies that shouldn’t be stored near each other
No matter what the season, we’ve got you covered with the best produce storage tips with our ultimate fresh produce storage guide
Plus: How to store berries so they stay fresher, longer

3. Embrace Your Freezer

Freezing is one of the best zero-waste tools at your disposal. It buys time, preserves nutrients, and helps you avoid tossing food that’s perfectly good.

Some surprising foods that we like to freeze in ice cube trays
Plus: Here’s how to freeze produce properly

4. Don’t Fear Expiration Dates

Most expiration dates are about quality, not safety—and tons of perfectly edible food gets tossed simply for being “short-dated.” Learn what the dates actually mean:

The truth about expiration dates
What are short-dated foods? (And why ignoring them can be a smart way to reduce food waste)

5. Cook Creatively with What You’ve Got

Some of the most satisfying meals start with whatever’s in your fridge or pantry. Think: soup with softening veggies, smoothies with leftover greens, or sauces made from food scraps. Get inspired:

Get even more food-waste reduction recipe ideas: Food-Waste Reducing Recipes to Try at Home

6. Try Upcycled and Rescued Foods

One of the easiest ways to reduce food waste? Buy from brands that are already doing it. At Misfits Market, we rescue and redistribute food that might otherwise go to waste—from upcycled snacks to perfectly good produce that’s too “ugly” for retail.

Get our guide to upcycled foods
Try these upcycled recipes to get the most out of your food at home, scraps and all

7. Compost What You Can’t Eat

When food can’t be saved, composting is the next best thing. It diverts waste from landfills and returns nutrients to the soil. Learn how to compost at home.

Every Bit Counts

Whether you’re freezing leftover broth, cooking with your veggie scraps, or buying short-dated groceries, every small change helps. And when millions of us start to reduce food waste at home, the collective impact can be huge.

Shop rescued groceries and upcycled foods at Misfits Market.