10 everyday tips to stop wasting money

During the races

Shopping with you is always an adventure in itself. You don’t really know how much time you’ll spend, or what you’ll find.

1. Plan meals and shop like a pro

Frankly, laziness or frankly, no time at all… Getting organized can be a real obstacle course. What if we told you that shopping was a question of timing, of being in the right place at the right time?
First: find out about local producers, greengrocers or open-air markets nearby.
Secondly: the more aware you are of your needs (during the day and during the week), the less you waste!
Thirdly: by organizing your own meals (batch cooking, anyone?), you can significantly reduce your budget!
As an added bonus, you’ll feel a certain pride in tasting dishes you’ve concocted yourself, reducing stress and saving a considerable amount of time. Who can beat that?

2. Focus on bulk

What’s so special about bulk packaging that it’s causing such a stir? The concept is simple: supermarkets or specialist outlets offer products without packaging… Naked and proud of it. It’s time to get out your new reusable organic cotton bag, or your glass jars for 100% eco-friendly shopping! As a result, you buy only the quantities you need, and can even try out new flavors ( like those roasted peanuts you’ve been eyeing: try a small sample instead of taking home 3 kilos.).

3. Worshiping “ugly” fruit and vegetables

Mistakenly, they may look rotten or unfit for consumption. But damaged fruit and vegetables are not ugly. They are ” not easy on the physique, it’s different“. (editor’s note). Because they don’t meet the standards set by mass retailers, many of them end up on the shelf. A metaphorical way of reminding us that Nature is imperfect, just like our species, dear humans.

4. Understanding the principle of expiration

The best-before date indicates the use-by date (month / day / year). The best-before date is usually accompanied by a shelf-life temperature, which is indicated on the packaging. It applies in particular to ready-made meals from the refrigerated section, as well as meat, fish and delicatessen products. Certain unopened dairy products benefit from a special regime… We’ll tell you all about it next!

The DDM (date of minimum durability), which replaces the best-before date (BBD), is not as impartial as the BBD, and is even rather flexible. So you can defy the ban and go beyond the deadline. With the DDM, you can avoid food poisoning scares, and generally, any fears you may have about your health. The only risk? A lesser aroma, the discovery of a slightly dry cookie, or the loss of certain nutritional qualities. We’re learning not to be afraid of “long-life” products, so that everyone benefits (from the producer to the distributor to the consumer).

At home

Once you’re back at home, sweet home, the fight against waste continues. Follow the guide!

5. Note opening dates of opened products and sort them

We’re not saying you have to have a memory like an elephant or become a neat freak, but you are going to have to make a few changes in the kitchen: first, you create a memo for yourself (on your smartphone or with a pencil and a post-it note): “When did I start using this product? How long can I eat it?

Once this stage has been successfully completed, we move on to storage and preservation. Some foods have a horror of refrigeration. Bananas, strawberries and tomatoes, for example, prefer to be kept in a pretty fruit basket! The same goes for broccoli, celery and leeks, which like to be dipped in a glass of water.

When it comes to rapidly perishable products, don’t just dump them in the back of the fridge (treasure hunts are great, but don’t let them turn into a nightmare). Even if it means creating special compartments for this purpose: on one side, products labelled “best-before” but not yet used, on the other, products that have already been started but need to be finished in 3 days’ time, and so on. We also apply the honor code of first in, first out. In other words, we finish chocolate plate number 1 before starting number 2. No jealousy!

6. Calculate quantities

You’re preparing for an IronMan. Or maybe there are not 7, but 12 of you at home. In these cases, there’s no need to reproach you for your delusions of grandeur. On the other hand, we won’t hide our disappointment if you’re already thinking of throwing away the leftovers. When planning your meals for the week, you can count on approximate quantities, corresponding to your breakfast, lunch or dinner.

7. Using leftovers

Leftovers are like game shows: take it or leave it. You can’t use everything, but magic happens where you least expect it. And inspiration frankly let you down for tonight’s aperitif. So, if you want to make delicious homemade chips, think fruit and vegetable peelings! You see? Nothing goes to waste.

8. Canning and freezing food

Preserves: have you ever heard of pickles? These preserves made from pickled vegetables, fruit, meat or cereals can be eaten all year round. In a glass jar, usually filled with vinegar or sugar, foodstuffs undergo the fermentation process. The advantage? It’s rich in vitamins, and excellent for your digestion and immune system.

Freezing: either vacation is imminent, or your salmon is starting to cry out for help. Amen, the freezer opens its doors to you! A clean-cut partner who honors his commitments. Waste be damned.

If you’re eating out

You can eat healthily and eco-responsibly, even when you’re out and about. For a break on the go or a meal with friends, we give you our best tips!

9. Installing anti-waste applications on your smartphone

Our favorite anti-waste app for eco-friendly meals? Too Good to Go! The concept? Collect unsold food from local retailers or restaurants, and have them deliver surprise baskets at low prices. It’s Christmas before time, so to speak!

10. Request a doggy bag

Since this summer, restaurateurs have had to play the game: doggy-bagging has become compulsory. Got a small stomach (or a small appetite)? Has the tofu-hummus-tahini sauce-chicory burger beaten you to the punch? Call in the doggy-bag. You’ll leave with your precious cargo packed in recyclable, reusable contents – a must in the fight against food waste.

Saving food

Our anti-waste, eco-friendly bonus.

1. With a dry and not too soft bread :

Go for French toast with chicory, or toast with mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes. You can also pan-fry your bread and use it as croutons. Delicious in a chicory salad!

2. Yoghurts:

Think, eat and live to the rhythm of the DLC. But don’t be too hard on yourself, or your yoghurt. That’s right! Unopened dairy products (UHT milk or plain yoghurt) can be consumed up to 3 weeks after their best-before date, thanks to their microbiological quality. However, if you detect a trace of mold or SBNI (strange unidentified substance) when you open them, don’t bother.

3. Fruits and vegetables a little wilted:

Are your vegetables sulking? Give them a new lease of life, in soup or coulis. As for overripe fruit, it’s perfect for making compotes, syrups or jam.

4. Lemon:

Salt is life. The proof is in the form of a lemon cut in 2! If you’re not using one of the halves, you can sprinkle it with salt. A powerful preservative, always at hand!

5. The fatal anti-waste weapon, honey:

A sure bet that never goes out of date. Enjoy with a spoon, on toast or in yoghurt.

And what about chicory?

For chicory lovers, we’ve saved the best for last. Everyone can recycle chicory seeds. But how?

For skins in search of new skincare products, chicory is a powerful antidote. It can be used in exfoliants, creams and scrubs. No additives, no chemicals. Nothing but happiness.

Fed up with nostril-aggressive paints? If you’re looking to give your furniture a natural, DIY touch, chicory is the answer. Warm tones are what we want, after all!

For cleaning copper saucepans, chicory reveals its stain-removing power. Who said Mr. Clean had all the answers?

By adopting new reflexes, we can all put an end to food waste. Let the habits of yesteryear run wild, and make room for small, eco-friendly gestures!