10 simple ways to stop food waste in Qatar

In Qatar, we love food, but for a nation of food lovers, the amount we waste each year is quite staggering.

Solid waste stream is mainly comprised of Organic materials which is around 60%, while the rest of the waste stream is made up of Recyclables like glass, paper, metals and plastics.

So, this means that approximately 1.5 million tons of food is being wasted in a small country like Qatar!

The same source states that Qatar alone has one of the highest per capita food wastes in the world, which ranges from 1.6 to 1.8kg per day.

This is equivalent to each one of us throwing five bowls of rice in the bin, every day!

And, to top this, things get worse during Ramadan.

This waste is very harmful not only to the environment but also to us.

It is estimated that approximately half of all wasted food is produced by households, which fortunately means that we can all do our own small part to make a difference.

Here is a list of some useful tips to cut down food wastage in our homes, which will save money as well as excessive food in the long run.

1.       Make a meal plan:

Jot down the meals that you or a family member would be preparing for a week. If not a week, then perhaps for 2 – 3 days. This would make it easier for you to decide as to what to eat and what to buy.

2.       The Shopping List:

Once you have the plan, write a shopping list containing only the items you know you will use for the planned meals. And a classic piece of advice: Never go grocery shopping when you're hungry!

3.       Shop smart:

Buy less food. Seems simple, but really, this is one of the most important things you can do. More often than not, some of the food we buy spoils before it's eaten and gets thrown away. Even if it's only a small amount each time, it all adds up. Buy a little less food each time you visit the supermarket, even if this means making more trips.

4.       Work with what you’ve got:

Regularly check use-by dates and make meals using items that are reaching their expiry date. This will help reduce the amount of food you throw out and the different combinations of ingredients can make for some exciting meals. If stored correctly, some foods can be safe for a few days after their expiry date.

Staple foods like bread often make up a big portion of wasted food. But bread is such a versatile food: it can be used in soups, cakes, crumbles, meatballs and, of course, bread crumbs for coating meat. It's also one of the best foods to freeze. You can take one slice out at a time and defrost it in the toaster or oven.

5.       Save excess food:

When you make a big meal, save any excess food left out. It can be your lunch for the following day or simply a snack for when you get peckish. You can freeze most food in individual portions in freezer bags too.

6.       Store food properly:

Proper storage of certain foods can drastically impact their longevity. You should have a cool and dry cupboard or storage area for any dry, long-life products. Sealable plastic containers, jars with lids, and resealable bags are all ideal for these foods. Choose a container that has adequate space for your produce without allowing too much air inside.

7.       Keep your fridge clean:

Your fridge always needs to be hygienic and at the right temperature, ideally around 4°C and your food will stay fresh for longer. Get into the habit of rotating your foods in the fridge each time you shop. Bring items from the back towards the front, this prevents anything from being left at the back and spreading bacteria if it goes off.

8.       Serve sensible portions:

Avoid over-serving food when cooking for friends and family by serving smaller portions at first, then dishing out any more to those who are still hungry. You might also try serving food on smaller plates - the same amount of food on a smaller plate seems like more food, as it seems to be taking up more space on the plate.

9.       Reuse and recycle:

Many items that you might just toss in the trash once you've used them still have life left in them. Take used coffee grounds for an example - there are plenty of inventive ways you can use them before they go in the trash. You can also use old lemons to disinfect surfaces or even clean the inside of your fridge.

10.   Try composting:

It's nature's way of recycling food waste. Much of what you would have otherwise put in the trash can go on a compost heap. If you are wondering how is this done, then have a look at the illustration below.

Bonus Tips:

11.   Preach and practice:

With kids around the house, things usually get a little tricky. Tell them about the right ways of eating and how not to waste food and help them in practicing the same. As the old saying goes, "Old habits die hard". The child will not only learn but the practices will remain with them for a lifetime, if taught in the right manner. It also helps if the children see the people around them practicing the same.

12.    Your food plate:

This is the most basic etiquette that most of us forget to follow. Try to finish the food that you have in your plate. Serve yourself only as much as required that fills your tummy. Perhaps, the food in our plate that we tend to waste could reduce atleast 0.1% of the food wastage in our country!

Do you have any other tips that you would like to share with us? Let us know in the comments below.

[Cover Image]