Shopping Techniques - Damage Limitation

Most of us have constraints on the amount of time that we can spend on planning our shopping. Here are some simple techniques to help avoid waste.

Step One: Shop regularly.

This way you are not pressured into over catering for ‘just in case’ situations. You will also have a better idea of what is lurking in your fridge if you left it there the day before.

Step Two: Buy small packs

Loaves of bread for example are now available in half sizes. Or alternatively, buy packs that can be broken down and frozen. Bulk packs may be cheaper but remember to factor in the cost of what you might be wasting.

Step Three: Stick to what you know.

A TV chef might have been demonstrating an exotic ingredient the night before but unless you know how and when you are going to use it avoid the impulse purchase.

Step Four: Check the ‘Use By’ date.

If you are shopping for one you have to be realistic about how quickly you will use an item up. There is nothing wrong with taking packs from the back of the display if an extra couple of day’s shelf life will make the difference between you eating it all or binning it.

Step Five: Avoid unrealistic resolutions.

Don’t stock up with healthy food if you are never going to get around to eating it. Keep a note of what you throw away and if you spot a pattern reduce what you buy and save money.

Step Six: Set yourself a budget.

Instead of using plastic to pay for your purchases just take out the amount of cash that you intend to spend. It is a guaranteed way to avoid buying items you do not want or need.

Step Seven: Don’t go shopping until you need to.

Will you really go hungry if you don’t shop, or, with a bit of imagination, can you use up what you have to make a tasty supper?

So you see, with a few simple techniques, you can stop wasting food and start saving money.

Finally, if your car boot is usually empty, keep a large cool bag or box in there (with some spare reusable shopping bags.) When packing your groceries in the shop, put all the chilled/frozen items together in the same bag, then pop the bag into the cool box. Having all the cold things together will keep them at a safe temperature for a while without an ice pack. The shopping stays cool until you get home - which on a warm day could make quite a difference to how long it lasts.