Food waste often slips under the radar in our kitchens, but it adds up to more than most of us realise. The average household throws away 265 kilograms of food waste in the bin each year, unintentionally. The Great Unwaste is here to show us how a few small tweaks can make life easier, meals tastier, and waste bins a whole lot lighter. At the moment, food waste costs households more than $2,500 per year (possibly more if you’ve got picky eaters at home!), so making a few small tweaks could give you a little bit back in your bank account.
Becoming a great unwaster isn’t about being perfect. It’s about simple, everyday hacks that make sense and save food along the way. By trying even one of these, you’re already a Great Unwaster. Here are seven easy habits to help you turn food waste around at home.
Pack it, stack it, chill it
We all know about Slip, Slop, Slap as the go-to method for staying sun safe. Well, there’s a similar saying for keeping your food fresh: pack it, stack it, chill it.
Airtight containers keep leftovers in good shape, neat stacking means nothing gets lost at the back of the fridge, and make sure your fridge is set between 0-5 degrees Celsius. This sweet spot can extend the life of your food by up to three days.. A little fridge know-how goes a long way.
And if we’ve learnt anything from our chef friends over the years, it’s that masking tape and a texta are your best friends in the kitchen. Label those containers with what’s in them and the date, so you’re never left asking yourself, “When did we have satay chicken?”
Flexi meal plan
Meal plans don’t need to be rigid — except for Tuesdays, that’s always for tacos. A flexi plan gives you just enough structure to use what you buy, while leaving space for last‑minute catch‑ups, market finds, or unexpected cravings. It’s a relaxed approach that helps avoid both waste and the question of “what’s for dinner?”
Not sure where to start? Begin with one or two meals each week that are naturally flexible — pasta night, stir-fry night, or a leftovers night — and build the rest of your plan around what you already have at home. If you prefer a bit more structure, try magnetic guides, paper planners (consider this one from The Great Unwaste), or even tech-savvy tools. And if all this feels too overwhelming, consider trying a meal kit subscription. There’s guaranteed to be one that fits your needs, taste palate, and budget – it’s not cheating if you’re unwasting food!
Join the leftovers revolution
Leftovers don’t have to feel like second best. Roast veggies can be reborn in a salad, rice can turn into fried rice, and last night’s chicken might become tomorrow’s wraps. The leftovers revolution is about celebrating what’s already there and turning it into something fresh and delicious.
Plus, it often means you have your work lunch ready to go in the morning, or tomorrow’s dinner already sorted, so you can get home and chill while watching the latest episode of your favourite Netflix show, glass of wine in hand.
First in, first out
If you’ve ever worked in retail (or if you’re an accountant), you probably already know this one — it’s the other FIFO, First In, First Out. This supermarket mantra works wonders at home. Use up the older items first and save the newer ones for later. It’s as simple as bringing the yoghurt you bought last week to the front of the fridge, or cooking the pasta that’s been in the pantry longest. A quick shuffle now means fewer forgotten ingredients later.
Stick to your list
Impulse shopping can be fun, but it often leads to over‑stuffed fridges, larger-than-life grocery bills, and wilted herbs you never quite got to. A shopping list helps you stay on track, save money, and ensures you only buy what you need. Think of it as your quiet companion, guiding you through the aisles and helping you resist that third block of cheese.
The only exception is obviously chocolate. There’s always room in the cart for that.
Cook just right
One of the simplest ways to become a Great Unwaster is by using measuring cups and kitchen scales. Cooking just the right amount is a combination of art, science, and knowing just how hungry your household is. Experiment with portion sizes, measure your grains and pasta, and cook for the people around your table, saving the rest for your next fabulous recipe. If you’re not sure, cook a little less. It’s easier to add an extra side than to scrape untouched plates into the bin.
Save room for seconds
The old saying of ‘eyes bigger than your belly’ is still true, and this small change makes a big difference: serve smaller portions first, and go back for seconds if you’re still hungry. It reduces plate waste, encourages mindful eating, and makes every helping feel like something to savour. After all, second helpings always taste a little better.
Join the Great Unwaste movement
Food waste doesn’t have to be inevitable. By embracing even one or two of these habits, you’re already part of The Great Unwaste movement. It’s about progress — and it starts with the simple, everyday choices we make in our kitchens.
Want to take the next step? Sign up to The Great Unwaste to join the movement and get more tips. Together, we can turn food waste around — starting right here in WA.
