Going on hols? Plan to share whatever goodies you can't eat before you go with your neighbours instead of binning them. Either parcel up individual items into an attractive gift basket, or cook up your leftover veg or meat into a stew/casserole/slow-bake and offer it up. They'll love you for it.
It's hugely tempting to pick up buy one get one free or 'woops' items at the supermarket, but this lent exercise your discipline and try to stick to what you need to buy. BOGOF and 'woops' deals happen every day – and if you really can't say no, then only buy BOGOF you can freeze and save for later, instead of throwing it away.
Ask around your family or check your diary at the start of the week to see how much you'll be eating at home. It's not an exact science but knowing how many mouths to feed and when can help you buy in enough food to keep everyone satisfied, and limit the chance of overbuying then having to chuck it away.
One of the best ways to keep food out of the bin is to peer into your kitchen cupboards more often. We're serious. Set aside at least half an hour each week before shopping to dig out what you've already got before buying any new food and you're less likely to end up with old tins, bendy carrots and out-of-date pasta that needs chucking.
Who's got time to plan their weekly meals, right? We know we're all busy but carving out (no pun intended) 30 mins to map out your meals for the week ahead is so worth it. Grab a pen and paper, draw a 7-day matrix and populate the meals you know you're going to need to cook. Pin it to your fridge and you'll be on track for the week.