Purley Sustainability Group  - Think Ahead, Waste Less, and Cook Smarter

As part of the PSG series of sustainability, here are some ways we can be more sustainable when we cook at home.

1. Use What You Have
Before shopping, check your fridge and cupboards. Do you already have food that needs using up? Avoid waste by planning meals around these items. Use recipe websites that let you search by ingredient to inspire creative cooking.  Use ChatGPT to explore recipe options – it can be fun and adventurous!

2. Plan Your Meals
Planning what you’re going to cook helps you save money, reduce waste, and possibly avoid extra shopping trips. A written shopping list keeps you focused and stops impulse buys—only buy what you need.

3. Mind Your Portions
Overcooking is common—especially with pasta. Use kitchen scales to help reduce leftovers and food waste.

4. Shop Local and Smart
Support local shops and markets when you can—it saves fuel and reduces your carbon footprint. Don’t forget to bring reusable bags instead of buying new plastic ones.

5. Choose Seasonal Produce
Buying seasonal fruits and vegetables often means fewer food miles, less packaging, and fresher, tastier food.

6. Store Food Correctly
Proper storage can extend the shelf life of your food. Some items keep longer when refrigerated or stored in glass containers. Use your freezer to save leftovers or surplus ingredients for later use.

7. Buy Sustainable Products
There’s a wide variety of fish, meat, and egg options. Choose the ones that align with your values—some are far more sustainable than others.

8. Try Preserving
Turn surplus fruits and veggies into jams, chutneys, or pickles. It’s a fun and practical way to make the most of excess produce.

9. Cook Efficiently
Use energy-efficient methods like air fryers (for small quantities), pressure cookers (to reduce cook time), slow cookers, or microwaves. If the oven is on, cook multiple items or batch cook to maximize energy use.

10. Be Water Wise
Boil only the amount of water you need, whether in a kettle or cooking pan—saving both water and energy.

11. Grow Your Own
If you're new to gardening, start small—perhaps herbs on your windowsill. It’s a great way to save money, reduce packaging, and enjoy fresh flavours.

12. Reduce and Reuse Packaging
Homemade meals like pizza not only taste better but avoid excess packaging. When buying packaged items, consider how you can reuse containers—yogurt pots and takeaway tubs often make great storage solutions.

13. Eat More Plants
Nutritionist Tim Spector recommends eating 30 different plants per week. They’re rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, fibre, protein, and vital nutrients. A plant-rich diet supports digestion, immunity, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

14. Cook in Batches
Batch cooking can save time, reduce energy use, and create opportunities to share food with friends or family—turning mealtime into a social experience.

15. Compost Your Scraps
If you have food waste, compost it or use your local food waste bin to keep it out of landfill.

Finally… Enjoy Your Food

There’s no point buying something just because it’s trendy or someone else recommends it. Choose foods you enjoy. That said, don’t be afraid to experiment—try swapping meat for pulses occasionally to save money and expand your cooking skills.