Have you ever wondered how much food Americans waste every single year? 

Disturbing fact:

150,000 tons of healthy food gets thrown out every single day in our country… a whopping 38 million tons per year. That’s more than the weight of 100 Empire State Buildings. The financial cost of all this waste rings up to about $165 billion.

That’s enough food to give 190 million adults 3 square meals every single day!

The environmental impact of all this waste is devastating. Over 25% of the nation’s freshwater goes to produce the food that’s getting tossed. 

That is in America alone. Add in the waste from the rest of the world, and it’s not a pretty picture.

At XX company, we strive to make good food affordable to everyone. At the same time, we want to help preserve our planet for generations to come.

Everyone can take small, simple steps to help.

Some of the delectable treats you’ve missed out on will surprise you!

Plus, you’ll save a lot of money on your next grocery bill.

For example…watermelon. It’s a refreshing treat during the hot summer months. But before you toss that peel into the garbage, consider this:

The rind has more nutrients than the fruit itself! Raw and crunchy, but it’s jam-packed with Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and citrulline. These nutrients give you a boost of vital energy.

You might be thinking… watermelon rinds? Gross!

However, prepared correctly, they are delicious!

You can pickle them, stir fry them, or toss them in curries, chutneys, salads, and jams.

At your next party, impress your guests with roasted watermelon seeds. At only 158 calories per 400 seeds, they’re as tasty as potato chips and much better for your waistline!

And we’re just getting started here. 

There are many ways to stretch your food budget and help reduce the nation’s food waste.

Are you throwing away these nutritional powerhouses?

Leek tops:  Most recipes use only the leek bottoms. But don’t forget about the tops! They provide vital nutrients like folate, vitamin C, and vitamin A. These help boost your immunity and promote healthy skin and hair. Did you know you can even dehydrate leeks? Lightly seasoned, they make tasty snacks. Or you can crumble them into salads or sauté them into stir-fries, soups, and stews. Leeks are milder and sweeter than onions, which means even picky eaters can enjoy them.

Celery leaves: Many people chop up their celery and toss the leaves away. But that’s a big mistake! Celery leaves are sturdy and flavorful, packed with calcium, vitamin E, vitamin K, potassium, and fiber. You can use the leaves to give your salads an extra kick. Or use them instead of lettuce on tomato or cucumber sandwiches.

Corn silk: Who would have thought the soft, silky fibers inside the corn husk could be so delicious? Next time you make corn on the cob, try making a tea out of the silk. It’s mild and sweet and offers a host of health benefits. They help prevent bladder infections, regulate high blood pressure, and combat fatigue.

Corn cobs:  As a matter of fact, hang on to your corn cobs too! Boil them down to make a fantastic low-calorie but decadently creamy broth. This is a great way to add flavor to any dish, especially risotto or polenta. Want to try some poached eggs with a twist? Try making them with corn cob broth instead of plain water. They’ll come out extra flavourful and nutritious!

Liquid from canned beans:  Whatever you do, don’t dump out the juice from your canned beans or chickpeas… That liquid in the can is called aquafaba, and it’s a goldmine of protein and healthy starches. Aquafaba has almost unlimited uses in the kitchen, including:

• A substitute for egg whites in any recipe
• Thickening soups, stews, and sauces (without raising the glycemic index!)
• A substitute for butter
• A whipped meringue for sweet desserts.

Use low sodium beans from a PCB-free can so you can enjoy all the health benefits of this miracle liquid.

Water from boiled vegetables: While steaming veggies is usually the best option, we’ve all boiled them in a pinch. But you don’t have to throw away any of those nutrients… save the water by freezing it in an ice cube tray. Now, you’ve got “instant broth cubes” whenever you need water for cooking. This is one of my favorite kitchen hacks!

Potato water: You can use leftover potato water to add zest to pizza or bread dough. And if you have a sauce that’s a little too runny, potato water will thicken it up nicely. 

These are just a few of the ways you can help stop food waste, save money and make a positive impact on our environment. With a bit of creativity, I’m sure you can come up with even more great ideas. 

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