Put a 'eat first' bin or shelf in your fridge

Food is expensive, and the cost of tossed food adds up fast: people spend $1,300 a year on food that ends up in the trash. Food waste also releases methane, an exceptionally potent greenhouse gas. And when you account for the emissions tied not only to food rotting but also to every stage before—farming, processing, transporting, storing, and cooking food that never gets eaten—it’s easy to see how global food loss and waste contributes roughly 8–10% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.

One of the best strategies to limit food waste is to eat your food before it goes bad. It sounds simple enough, but the truth is that managing your groceries to make sure everything gets used up can be a challenge. I’ve ended up kicking myself because I forgot something at the back of the fridge for days or weeks, mourning both the food itself and the money I spent on it.

To combat this, my housemates and I cleared a shelf in our fridge and labeled it ‘eat first’. There, we place leftovers, items we’ve already opened or partially used, and anything that’s close to its best-before window. When we’re looking for something to eat, we look there first. This systematic approach ensures more of our food gets eaten before it spoils. And of course, when less food gets thrown away, less energy and land are used for things that won’t get eaten, and less methane is created in waste systems.

Having this visible, dedicated place for food at risk of waste has transformed how I approach my meals and snacks—I strongly recommend it to anyone who wants to use more of what they’ve already paid for. You’re not adding anything new, simply reorganizing in a way that benefits both the climate and your wallet. Pick a clear bin or use a dedicated section or shelf in your fridge. Label it so you don’t forget. When you next unpack groceries or put away leftovers, move items that should be eaten in the next few days into that space. Try to make a habit of it.

The best part is how simple and free it is to set up. Nothing fancy, complex, or time-intensive, just a little placement change that keeps food visible and top of mind. You’ll be surprised by the difference such a simple habit can make.