Food Waste: Tips, Stats, Recipes, and Food Storage Hacks

Smart tips, surprising stats, and simple ways to make a difference at home

Food waste is a massive problem—but fighting it can start right in your own kitchen. At Misfits Market, our entire mission is rooted in reducing food waste: rescuing imperfect produce, stocking upcycled products, and making it easier to eat what’s already been grown. Whether you’re a sustainability pro or just starting to rethink what goes in the trash, this guide is your go-to resource for wasting less (and eating well while you do it).

Below, you’ll find links to helpful food waste statistics, tips for avoiding waste at home, how-tos for proper food storage, and upcycled recipe ideas—so you can do your part without overhauling your life.

Why Food Waste Matters

Food waste in America is more than just forgotten leftovers or wilted greens—it’s a system-wide issue. Nearly 40% of food in the U.S. goes uneaten, and much of it ends up in landfills where it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, millions of people across the country face food insecurity.

Eliminating waste isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s an opportunity to:

Save money on groceries
Get creative with meals
Conserve natural resources
Support a more sustainable food system

At Misfits Market, fighting food waste is at the core of everything we do. From rescuing “imperfect” produce to selling short-dated pantry staples, we’re building a better food system by making high-quality groceries more accessible—and less wasteful. Learn more about how we reduce food waste.

How to Avoid Food Waste at Home

Food waste solutions start at home—and it doesn’t take much to make a big impact. Start with these easy wins:

Store produce properly: Learn which fruits and veggies shouldn’t be stored together, which last longest, and how to revive wilted items.

Freeze what you can’t use now: From herbs to broth to berries, freezing helps preserve peak flavor and reduce spoilage.

Rethink expiration dates: Many foods are safe past their printed dates—but get needlessly tossed. Learn more in our guide to food expiration dates.

Use up what’s left: One of the best ways to reduce waste is by cooking smarter with what you’ve got.

Try these fridge clean-out meals
Learn more about the foods that last longer than you think

Get Creative with Food Waste Reducing Recipes

Did you know you can turn food scraps and leftovers into delicious meals? Whether it’s turning stale bread into croutons or making sauces from veggie peels, there’s no shortage of ideas.

Get even more ideas: Food-Waste Reducing Recipes to Try at Home

Composting 101

When food can’t be salvaged, composting is the next best thing. It keeps organic material out of landfills and turns it into something useful: nutrient-rich soil.

Learn how to start composting from home—even without a backyard: How to Compost at Home