4 Common Reasons We Waste Food at Home – Proven Tips to Stop It

Stock up on containers! Waste-Free Week begins September 7. Take the challenge to cut food waste. As a collective effort, it delivers massive environmental benefits—reducing food waste is the top strategy against climate change. Drawing from Too Good To Go's household research, we've pinpointed the main culprits. Assess your habits and apply these expert tips this week and beyond.

Why Do We Throw Away Food?

Too Good To Go's study uncovers the top reasons people discard food:

• 34% of Dutch respondents toss it because there's "too little left" to save.
• 1 in 4 never eat expired products.
• 20% serve overly generous portions that end up in the bin.
• 14% routinely leave restaurant meals unfinished. Such a waste!

Practical Steps for Waste-Free Week

Got a small leftover, like the last of your rice? Transform it into creamy rice pudding.
Understand date labels: "Best before" indicates peak quality (at least until then) on stable products—always inspect, smell, and taste. "Use by" means consume by that date for safety.
Serve smarter with The Nutrition Center's free eating buddy: it measures perfect portions, including a notch for spaghetti.
Overserved at a restaurant? Politely request a doggy bag—it's a smart, sustainable move.

If every household in the Netherlands skips food waste during Waste-Free Week, we'd save 11.5 million kilos of edible food weekly.