Did you know that the United States is the global leader in food waste? According to the RTS (Recycle Track Systems, an organization aimed at reducing waste) Food Waste In America 2020 Statistics and Facts report, the average American family of four throws out about $1,600 worth of produce per year. That’s equivalent to 219 lbs per person. And that’s just food waste—according to EPA, in 2017, plastic waste was 35.4 million tons in the United States, which results in an estimated 234lb of plastic waste per person per year.
So how do we tackle this? Households aren’t the only contributors to the problem, of course—restaurants and commercial businesses are also major contributors—but making a change at home is an easy way to start. Changing a few household habits will not only help the environment but also can save you money in the end. Start with reducing waste in your kitchen with these easy steps.
Regrow your vegetables
The next time you think about disposing of your vegetable scraps, think again: Most fruit and vegetables can be regrown. It’s easier than you think and will save you money on your grocery bill. Get the family involved and turn it into a learning experience or fun experiment. All you need are scraps and varying sized, bowls, jars, and pots (take inspiration from these indoor herb gardens). While not all scraps can be regrown—if they can’t, compost them!—here are a few staple vegetables to consider growing in your home.
Scallions
Scallions are one of the easiest vegetables to regrow. Cut an inch away from the root and place them upright in a glass of water. Be sure to leave it in a place with adequate sunlight. Change the water once a week until green shoots emerge. Transfer to soil when shoots are four inches long. Now you have an endless supply of scallions, perfect for use as a garnish or in soups. The same method can be used for leeks.
Celery
Celery is another easy vegetable to regrow. Simply cut two inches off the root end of a bunch of celery and place it in a shallow glass bowl with enough water to submerge an inch of the root. Next, watch it grow, after two or three days small leaves will appear, followed by stalks. Transfer to the soil once it starts to brown.
Onions
To regrow an onion, place the bottom of the onion in soil and let the roots grow. Once roots have grown, remove the old onion bottom and watch a new onion grow.
Do away with plastic containers
Most plastic containers are recyclable, but an alternative to storing food is with food-grade silicone containers. Unlike rigid plastic, silicone doesn’t crack, dry out, or rot over time—meaning you won’t have to replace it as often. Plus, it’s lightweight, saves space, and is made from an abundant natural resource. ZipTop makes freezer, dishwasher, and microwave safe silicone containers. Their containers are made from 100% Platinum Silicone, the purest Food Grade Silicone available. No need to rummage for lids, the containers stand up, stay open, and zip shut, making it a sustainable alternative to plastic. It’s also lightweight, ideal for taking lunch, snacks, and more on the go.
Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first-class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award-winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.
