Be wise, compromise

Shop realistically.

It is part of the human condition to fear under-catering and leaving guests hungry. The truth is this seldom, if ever, happens. We tend to buy, bring, braai and cook up twice as much as is needed.

The way to combat this is to plan meals carefully. With specific shopping lists, you can budget accurately, buy only what is genuinely needed and avoid impulse buys.

1. Take your own bags

Do your bit to reduce plastic in landfill sites by taking your own material bags when you go shopping. This small habit can make a huge difference.

2. Store food correctly

Make sure you put cold foods into the fridge or freezer as soon as possible after purchase to avoid any costly spoiling. Store crackers, rusks and crisps in airtight containers once the box or packet has been opened and make sure any fruit is stored in a cool area, away from direct sunlight.

3. Save it before it spoils

If you can see that something is nearing its use-by date, use it as soon as possible or turn it into something you can save for later. For instance, if bananas are looking over-ripe, bake banana bread.

4. Use leftovers creatively

If you find you have cooked too much, don’t throw away what’s left. If nobody is going to want more of the same tomorrow, freeze things like rice, gravy and vegetables and re-use the meat in pastas, on sandwiches or as part of a hearty breakfast. Leftover salads can be served with fresh bread later as a healthy snack.

5. Separate

If you have never recycled bottles and plastics before, start now. Organise five different waste containers. Label them “cans”, “glass”, “plastic”, “paper” and “kitchen” and make sure everyone in the house separates accordingly. Kitchen waste can be turned into compost, and at the end of the season, you can take your cans, glass, paper and plastic to collection sites.

6. To the less fortunate

Before you throw something away, ask yourself if there is anybody who would see your rubbish as more than waste. If yes, find a way to give it to someone.

7. Green your gifts

Think about ways to green your gifts. Start by wrapping gifts in recycled paper and giving recycled cards. When buying gifts, try to buy locally-made items with recycled or recyclable packaging. Or go a step further and buy gifts that will promote the reduction of waste, such as compost bins or green shopping bags.