How to Keep Your Food Fresh and Your Kitchen Low-Waste

Significant food waste occurs in American households, with nearly 95% of it ending up in landfills rather than being composted. This excess waste contributes to environmental problems such as climate change by releasing methane, a greenhouse gas that is 86% more potent than carbon dioxide.

Regulations regarding the disposal of organic waste from businesses are evolving, and cities are expanding their curbside recycling capabilities. In the meantime, we can each play a role in reducing waste at home by extending the freshness and edibility of our food. The great thing about this approach is that not only is it environmentally beneficial, but it also makes financial sense—throwing away less food means spending less on groceries.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all guideline for storing fresh produce, as factors like temperature, ethylene production, and airflow vary. While some fruits thrive with good air circulation, most vegetables stay fresh longer when kept in airtight containers in the fridge. Conversely, items like onions and potatoes should never be refrigerated.

To help you enhance your food preservation skills and minimize waste, we’ve gathered essential tips and techniques to save both money and the planet.

Separate Ethylene-Producing and Sensitive Foods

Ethylene is a gas released by certain fruits and vegetables that speeds up ripening in surrounding produce. You may have heard to keep bananas apart from other fruits, but many ethylene emitters, such as apples and onions, should be stored separately from sensitive items like broccoli and lettuce to prevent spoilage.

Store Food in Airtight Containers

Do glass containers really help food stay fresh longer? Yes! Generally, any refrigerated item will last longer if kept in an airtight container like a glass jar or silicone bag. Sealing food prevents moisture loss and shields it from ethylene gas in the fridge that promotes ripening.

Note: The crisper drawer does a decent job but won’t preserve food as effectively as a sealed container.

This simple kitchen trick keeps your food fresher for longer — no fancy tools, no waste. Just one easy habit that makes a big difference!

Items Best Kept at Room Temperature

Knowing how to store food without refrigeration involves understanding each item’s needs. Potatoes, onions, and garlic should be kept at room temperature (keeping potatoes and onions apart to avoid ethylene damage). They require good air circulation, so remove them from plastic packaging as soon as possible—better yet, use reusable bags when shopping.

Warning: Storing potatoes in the fridge causes them to convert starch into sugar, leading to faster spoilage. Gourds like butternut squash can also be stored at room temperature for extended periods.

Note: The green shoots on onions and garlic are harmless and can either be trimmed or cooked along with the rest.

Avoid Pre-Washing Vegetables

While washing leafy greens ahead of time may seem convenient for quick meals during the week, excess moisture can lead to quicker spoilage in the fridge. It’s best to wash them just before use; if you must wash them early, wrap them in a clean towel to absorb moisture.

Store Apples in the Fridge

Contrary to popular belief, apples do not fare well at room temperature. They should be refrigerated, ideally in a sealed container to prevent their ethylene gas from over-ripening other fruits.

Choose the Right Containers for Fresh Food

We often mention airtight containers, but which types truly extend freshness while supporting zero waste? Although silicone has sustainability advantages over plastic, some silicone products can still leach chemicals. Opt for food-grade certified silicone or consider stainless steel or glass options for storage since they are non-reactive and recyclable.

Wash Berries with Vinegar Before Refrigeration

Many enthusiasts recommend soaking fresh berries in a vinegar solution to kill bacteria that could lead to mold. After soaking, dry them thoroughly on a kitchen towel and store them in an airtight container; this method can keep berries fresh for around two weeks.

Freeze Food Instead of Letting It Spoil

A wider variety of foods can be frozen than most people realize. While some nutrient loss may occur, it’s a smarter choice than waiting for food to spoil before discarding it. If you have root vegetables sitting unused in the fridge, chop them up and freeze them for later use when inspiration strikes.

Long-Term Food Storage Techniques

Not all fresh items must be eaten immediately or thrown away. Learn how to store them long-term; for instance, excess mushrooms can be dried in the oven and stored in jars for up to a year. Stale bread can also be toasted and blended into breadcrumbs, which will remain good for about six months when kept in airtight jars.

Plan and Shop Wisely

It may seem obvious, but avoid purchasing fresh items unless you know how you'll use them. Following this simple principle—along with our freezing and storage advice—ensures that everything you buy gets utilized. This requires making thoughtful shopping lists and being realistic about your cooking frequency throughout the week.

Don’t Discard the Good with the Bad

It's important to note that a small spot of mold on fruit doesn't mean you should toss the entire item. Just because one area of a tomato is spoiled doesn't imply the whole fruit is bad. You can simply cut away the affected part and keep the rest in a sealed container for use in the coming days.

Cut Off the Greens

Although it may diminish the natural appearance of your vegetable drawer, it's advisable to remove the leafy tops from items like carrots and radishes. The reason for this is that the greens absorb moisture from the vegetables, which speeds up their spoilage.

By following these waste-reducing strategies for preserving your fresh produce, you'll likely minimize kitchen waste. There's some discussion about the best type of container for keeping food fresh longer; glass, stainless steel, and silicone all have their merits, but starting with what you already own at home is typically the most practical approach.