Valerie lough
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 601 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO15food itemsproperly stored
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UP TO944gallons of waterhave been saved
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UP TO19poundsfood waste prevented
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UP TO39pounds of CO2have been saved
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UP TO11zero-waste mealsconsumed
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UP TO16zero waste recipescooked
Valerie's actions
Storage
Berries
To keep berries fresh, place them on top of a paper towel in a sealed container to absorb excess moisture and reduce chances of molding. I will properly store 1 packs of berries.
Food Systems
Watch a Documentary about Food Sovereignty
I will watch 1 documentary(ies) about food sovereignty: the right of local peoples to control their own food systems including markets, ecological resources, food cultures and production methods.
Cooking
Save the Peels
When life gives you lemons (or any other citrus peels), use the rinds to make a nontoxic cleaner.
Cooking
Revive Limpy Produce
Rescue limpy produce like leafy greens or carrots by soaking in an ice bath.
Cooking
Food Preservation
Extend the life of your food by trying different preservation strategies like pickling, drying, or jamming. I will try 2 preservation techniques.
Cooking
Repurpose Leftovers
Give leftovers a new life! For example, use leftover rice to make fried rice. I will try a recipe that repurposes leftovers 2 times.
Cooking
Swap This for That
Missing an ingredient for a recipe? Check this list to find the best substitutes.
Cooking
Veggie Scrap Stock
Store vegetable scraps in your freezer and use them to make veggie stock. I will make this recipe 1 times.
Storage
Nuts
Without the shell, nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pecans can stay in the freezer for 2 years or more. Pack into tinted zip-top freezer bags and freeze. I will properly store 2 bags of nuts.
Storage
Leafy Greens
Roll unwashed lettuce in a dry towel, then store in a sealed bag in the refrigerator. I will properly store 2 leafy greens.
Storage
Apples
Store apples up to 7 days on the counter, then move them to the refrigerator. Keep them away from bananas and avocados as they speed ripening. I will properly store 1 apples.
Shopping
Tap the Salad Bar
For recipes that call for small amounts of different vegetables, shop at the salad bar to get exactly what you need.
Shopping
Scrutinize Deals
Five bananas for $1 is a good deal only if you eat all five. Many stores offer the sale price even if you buy less than the stated quantity.
Shopping
Eat Before Shopping
Those who grocery shop on an empty stomach spend 64% more than not-hungry shoppers. Resist impulse buys by shopping with a full stomach. Eat a snack or a meal before going grocery shopping.
Shopping
Shop with Recipes In Mind
Create a shopping list with specific recipes and meals in mind. Purchase only what's on the list when you do groceries.
Planning
Eat Me First
I will create an "Eat Me First" area in my fridge to prioritize food that needs to be used right away.
Planning
Date Labels Demystified
I will not toss food once it is past the best buy date. "Expiration" dates misleadingly refer to quality, not safety. Use your senses and best judgement.
Planning
Fridge Inventory
I will keep a fridge inventory to stay up to date with what I have in my fridge before I go grocery shopping.
Planning
Gleaning
I will glean backyard produce and create a recipe plan for full utilization, i.e. sharing with friends, canning, preserving, etc.
Planning
Eat the Leftovers
I will plan an Eat the Leftovers night by creating a tasty “smorgasbord" or using a recipe that repurposes leftovers. I will eat 2 meals using leftovers.
Planning
Portion Planning
Use a portion size guide to ensure appropriate portions when cooking. I will cook 2 portion-appropriate meals.
Planning
Befriend the Freezer
The freezer is your friend! Store any leftover food in the freezer for a quick weekday meal or freeze fruits that are getting ripe to use for a delicious smoothie later. I will freeze 5 food item(s).
Planning
Meal Prep Mania
I will meal prep 5 meals.
Storage
Avocados
Allow green, unripe avocados to ripen on the counter, then transfer to the refrigerator. Once cut, keep the pit in and rub with lemon or oil to reduce browning. I will properly store 2 avocados.
Storage
Asparagus/Celery
Trim the ends of asparagus and place them in a jar or glass with 1-2 inches of water, just like fresh cut flowers. Keep them in the refrigerator. I will properly store 1 bunches of asparagus/celery.
Storage
Fridge Demystified
Did you know that milk should never be stored in the side door of a fridge? Learn where to properly store food in your fridge by checking out the Resource. I will properly store 1 cartons of milk.
Food Waste Tracking
Food Waste Tracking
Ready. Set. Record!
For each day during the food waste tracking week, record your food waste. This action accepts one entry per day, so be sure to enter one total for food waste across all of your meals, or weigh all of your food waste once at the end of each day. Please use ounces for unit of measurement.
Participant Feed
Reflection, encouragement, and relationship building are all important aspects of getting a new habit to stick.
Share thoughts, encourage others, and reinforce positive new habits on the Feed.
To get started, share “your why.” Why did you join the challenge and choose the actions you did?