Keep a list of what’s in your refrigerator. This is a great way to stay aware of what fresh foods you have on hand, what needs to be used soon, and which foods are hiding out behind the mayonnaise jar. A white board or a sheet of paper attached to the front of the refrigerator works best. A note that reminds you to “use broccoli by May 1st” or “use leftover roast chicken by Wednesday” can be enormously helpful. In addition to reducing food waste, maintaining an inventory of your fresh ingredients will help you be a more organized cook.
Rethink leftovers. Last night’s dinner is not “old food” but food that has already been prepared, cooked and is ready for its second act. Leftover grilled chicken is ready to become tonight’s tacos or tomorrow’s chicken salad or chicken hash to serve with poached eggs. Think about leftovers as possibilities — not food with limitations.
Save cheese rinds to flavor soups. Make a Parmesan cheese stock by simmering the rinds with onion, bay leaf, garlic and parsley and just covering with water. The stock makes a great base for minestrone and other vegetable-based soups. Cheese rinds can be added to soups and stews to add umami and flavor. Simply drop a piece of the rind into a slowly simmering soup or stew for added flavor.
Use leftover bread to make breadcrumbs. Pulse the bread and crust in a food processor or blender until finely ground. Keep in a tightly sealed container out of direct sun for several days or you can freeze breadcrumbs for several months.
Broccoli stems can be thinly shaved and used in salads or sautéed in garlic and olive oil.
Lemon and citrus zest: Don’t throw out. Use a microplane or peeler to grate the zest from citrus and use in vinaigrettes or to season cakes, puddings, pies, etc. You can also make citrus sugar by burying strips of lemon or orange peel into a cup of sugar and let it infuse the sugar.·
Use overripe fruit in smoothies and for baking.
Rethink using plastic wrap and invest in plastic alternatives like Bee’s Wrap and other more environmentally friendly kitchenware.

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