We regularly scour the internet to find the latest information on food waste and what can be done to minimize it. A trend
we are seeing? A focus on reducing food waste on college campuses. Want to see for yourself? Search 'food waste college' and eyeball page one of your results. Why is this trend important? It's been estimated by the National Resources Defense Council that we waste up to 30% of our food as a nation. That food waste produces a greenhouse gas called methane, which can contribute to global warming. It also wastes the valuable natural resources needed to grow and distribute that food.
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So if you're headed off to college, what can you do to help reduce food and other waste? We've compiled a handy checklist of college essentials to keep your food fresh, handy and out of a landfill:
College Essentials Checklist
- Quality food storage containers - these are tops on our list of college essentials. Look for space-saving food containers that are BPA free, versatile and durable. Bonus points if they're microwave and dishwasher safe. Try a mix of sizes, smaller containers that fit in a dorm fridge and larger ones for storing and organizing food.
- Chip or bag clips - designed for bags, they provide an airtight seal to keep foods like chips, crackers and cookies fresh. Bag clips can also double as a storage or travel accessory.
- Food storage bags - why add this to the list? Let's face it, not all food packages come in a resealable bag, and those that do sometimes tear beyond repair when opened.
- Cereal container - think beyond keeping cereal fresh. If it has a pour spout a cereal container is the perfect 'no hands' dispenser for chips and snacks.
- Food safe microwave containers - when you don't feel like going out for a meal or snack, microwave safe containers, bowls and steamers are an easy way to heat and enjoy a hot meal, and are perfect for reheating leftovers.
- Snack containers - containers designed just for crackers, cookies and other snacks keep these foods fresh and keep them from getting crushed.
- Sandwich wraps - perfect for packing leftover subs, sandwiches or snacks in a backpack. They can also double as a place mat and they are a reusable alternative to disposable plastic bags and wrap.
- Condiment containers - think small containers for ketchup or mustard that can fit in a dorm room refrigerator.
- Salt and pepper shaker - when food needs a little help.
- To-go containers - for those days when you have to eat on the go, but still want the foods you love try a container designed for packing cereal and milk, fruit and yogurt or a salad with all of the fixings. Most even come with their own utensils for added convenience. Making your own to-go meals also minimizes the disposable waste and expense of eating fast food.
- Bottle caps - the quantity of bottled soft drink that get wasted because they lose their fizz is cringeworthy. Solve that problem with a resealable bottle cap.
- Reusable eating utensils - speaks for itself if you've ever tried to eat a meal and cannot find any forks, knives or spoons.
- Can opener - for opening cans of soup, fruit or other foods.
- Microwaveable soup and drink mugs - look for a mug that is food safe and designed to heat soup or other liquids in the microwave. A vented lid will make it easy to heat the soup thoroughly and eliminates the need for covering the mug.
- Reusable water bottle and a water bottle cleaning brush - reusable water bottles are great for reducing waste, but it is important to clean them thoroughly. Need some tips? Visit our article REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE SAFETY: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.
- A small bottle of dish washing detergent and sponge or cloth - because you will need a way to clean these food containers.
- Reusable shopping bag or tote - for convenient shopping without using disposable bags.
