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.