Save money and the planet – is there 1-in-5 bags of shopping being thrown away per household each week?

Few people have avoided the impact of the cost-of-living crisis but there are ways to reduce its effect. With an estimated 1-in-5 bags of shopping being thrown away each week, impacting our bank balances and the planet, there has never been a better time to rethink how we approach food shopping and meal planning.

Here's some top tips from the Surrey Environment Partnership (SEP):

Step 1. Check your cupboards, fridge and freezer

Do you have food stashed away at the back of your cupboards, fridges and freezer that you’d forgotten you had? Sometimes these items will be past their use-by-date – in which case, please dispose of them in your food waste caddy. But for products that are frozen or do not have a use-by-date, make a note of them to help you with your meal plan.

Step 2. Meal planning

Got a house of fussy eaters? Include them in the meal planning. Ask what they like and see how you can incorporate that into your plan, based on what you have already and what you can afford to buy. Obviously asking for nuggets and chips every night probably isn’t going to wash, but it could be a weekday treat. Why not check-out some family favourites on the SEP website for inspiration.

Step 3. Do what works for you

Remember, an evening meal needn’t be a complicated affair. Often a tin of beans over some toasted bread, a boiled egg, or a warming bowl of soup (homemade or from a can) can be just as good. Never feel bad for not wanting to slave over an elaborate or time consuming meal every night. Think about your time and what you and your family enjoy and then go from there. And remember, many of these ingredients might already be in your cupboards!

Step 4. Write that shopping list

Now that you know what ingredients you already have and the meals you’ll be able to use them for, look at what you need to buy to complete the meals on your plan and put it on your shopping list.

Step 5. Check it’s healthy

If not don’t worry, there are plenty of tips on the SEP website that incorporate healthy, low-cost ingredients into the most delicious dishes.

Step 6. Go shopping

Armed with your list, grab that trolley or online cart and buy only what you need.

Head over to surreyep.org.uk for more tips, recipes and advice.