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Food waste prevention checklist

There are loads of handy things you can do around the kitchen to make your weekly shop go even further. 

Get your fridge temperature right - fridges kept between 0C and 5C (32F to 41F) will preserve food for longer.

Plan your meals - so you only buy what you need.

Make a shopping list - so you know exactly what you need and what you already have in the cupboard. And remember, you're more likely to buy things you do not need if you go shopping while hungry!

Bargain shelf - we all love a bargain. But only buy end-of-the-day sale treats if you can fit them into your meal plan for the week or you can freeze them.

Get your shelves in order - new stuff at the back and older stuff at the front so first in, first out.

Contain it - many types of food are best stored in airtight containers so it helps to have a few spare storage boxes to hand.

Label - write the date on lids of large pots of yogurt, condiments and fruit juices to remind you when they were opened.

Love your leftovers - freeze your leftovers. Remember to label them with the date so you know how long they've been in the freezer.

Check packaging - for advice about how best to store food.

Portions - do you cook more food than you can eat? Use an average sized mug to measure uncooked rice. One adult portion is about a quarter of a mug or 60g. And for a perfect pasta portion use a spaghetti measurer. Find more information on portion control.

Doggie bag - do not be afraid to ask for a doggie bag for your leftovers when eating out - after all you have paid for it!