Fighting Food Waste: More Than Just "Good For You, Good For The Planet" with We Eat Organic

At We Eat Organic, located in the heart of Metro Manila, Philippines, our core mission is to bring you products that are meticulously chosen to be good for you and good for the environment. This means prioritizing organic, plant-based, and all-natural options. We firmly believe that sustainable eating begins with thoughtful choices about what we consume and how it's produced.

However, our commitment to sustainability goes beyond just the source of our products. A significant challenge in our modern food system is food waste, a global issue with profound environmental and social impacts. Did you know that a substantial amount of perfectly edible food ends up in landfills, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and wasting valuable resources?

While choosing "good for you" and "good for the environment" products (like those from a Certified B Corp or those that are all-natural) is a fantastic start, food waste reduction requires a collective effort at every stage – from production and distribution to your very own kitchen.

We Eat Organic's Role in Reducing Food Waste

As a dedicated distributor of plant-based and organic food to cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets across the Philippines, we play a crucial role in the supply chain. We actively work to minimize waste by:

• Optimized Inventory Management: We strive for efficient ordering and storage to ensure our products move quickly and reduce the chances of spoilage.

• Strategic Partnerships: We collaborate with our partners to ensure timely delivery and proper handling, further preventing waste at the retail and foodservice level.

• Our "Happy Distribution" Program: As highlighted in our previous post, we actively redistribute products nearing their "best by" date to communities, ensuring that wholesome food doesn't go to waste but instead brings joy and nutrition to those who can use it. This embodies our belief that wastage is a huge problem in our society when it can be shared to those that may be able to use it.

Beyond Our Doors: Tips for Reducing Food Waste in Your Home

While we do our part, you, as a consumer, have immense power to make a difference right in your own home! Here are practical tips on how you can reduce food waste, going beyond simply choosing organic or plant-based:

1. Plan Your Meals: Before you shop, take a few minutes to plan your meals for the week. Make a shopping list based on what you need, and stick to it! This prevents impulse buys that might go bad.

2. Understand "Best By" vs. "Use By" Dates:

   • "Best By" dates refer to quality, not safety. Food is usually still good to eat past this date, though its peak freshness might decline.

   • "Use By" dates are more about safety for highly perishable items. Always prioritize these.

   • Don't throw food away just because it's past its "best by" date – use your senses (smell, sight) to determine if it's still good.

3. Proper Storage is Key:

   • Store fruits and vegetables correctly. Some thrive in the fridge (like leafy greens), others prefer the counter (like tomatoes and bananas until ripe).

   • Keep highly perishable items (like berries or fresh herbs) in airtight containers to extend their life.

   • Learn about "first in, first out" (FIFO) for your pantry and fridge – use older items first.

4. Embrace Leftovers (and Repurpose):

   • Pack leftovers for lunch the next day.

   • Get creative! Turn leftover roasted vegetables into a soup, stir-fry, or a frittata. Stale bread can become croutons or breadcrumbs. Overripe fruit is perfect for smoothies or baking.

5. Smart Freezing: If you know you won't eat something before it spoils, freeze it! Most fruits, vegetables (blanch first for best results), cooked meals, and even bread can be frozen.

6. Compost Food Scraps: For unavoidable food waste (like peels, cores, or truly spoiled items), consider composting. This turns organic waste into nutrient-rich soil, returning it to the earth instead of a landfill.

7. "Ugly" Produce is Delicious Produce: Don't shy away from fruits and vegetables that look a little imperfect. They taste just as good and are often discarded simply for cosmetic reasons.

At We Eat Organic, we believe that every step, no matter how small, contributes to a healthier planet and a more sustainable food system. By choosing our products and implementing these waste-reducing tips in your daily life, you become a powerful force for positive change.

Let's work together to nourish ourselves, our communities, and our planet, ensuring that no good food goes to waste!