Step 2: Store Food Smarter

Proper storage is key to making food last longer. An organized fridge and pantry help you see what you have and prevent items from getting forgotten.

• First In, First Out (FIFO). When you put away groceries, move older items to the front so you use them first.

• Use the right containers. Airtight containers keep food fresher longer. For example, a closed container can keep salad greens crisp for days.

• Understand expiration dates. "Sell-by" and "best-by" dates are often about quality, not safety. Trust your senses—if something smells or looks fine, it's likely still good to eat. A good general rule is that you can consume most things for a few days after the best-by date.

• Freeze what you won't use. Most foods—from bread and fruits to cooked meals and soups—can be frozen. Freezing is a pause button for spoilage.

Step 3: Get Creative with Leftovers

Leftovers are not just for lunch the next day. They can be the foundation of a whole new meal.

• "Use It Up" Meals. Designate one night a week as "Use It Up" night. Use leftover vegetables to make a stir-fry, leftover chicken for a soup or tacos, or leftover rice for a fried rice dish.

• Transform ingredients. That last bit of bread can become croutons or breadcrumbs. Overripe bananas are perfect for banana bread. Limp vegetables can be blended into a soup or a smoothie.

• Portion wisely. Cook the right amount of food for your family to avoid having to store large amounts of leftovers in the first place.

Making these changes isn't about being perfect. It's about being more mindful of what you buy and how you use it. Start with just one of these steps, and you'll be surprised at how quickly you see a difference.

Just imagine what you could do with an extra $1,800 a year. What’s one small change you can make this week to start your own Great Food Escape?

Have you ever opened your fridge and found wilted lettuce, a forgotten carton of yogurt past its date, or those expensive mushrooms you bought for a recipe you never made? You’re not alone. The average family of four tosses out an estimated $1,500 to $1,800 worth of food every year. That's like throwing away a whole month's rent, a new laptop, or a fantastic family vacation—just in food.

The good news is, you have the power to stop this food (and money) drain. By making a few small, simple changes in how you shop and store your food, you can save a significant amount of money and reduce your household's impact on the environment.

Step 1: Shop with a Plan

Impulse buys at the grocery store are a major cause of food waste. You buy a bunch of things that look good, but they don't add up to a meal.

• Make a list. Before you go to the store, check your pantry and fridge. Plan your meals for the week, and write down exactly what you need. Stick to the list to avoid buying things you won’t use.

• Don't shop hungry. Shopping on an empty stomach makes everything look delicious and necessary, leading to more impulse buys.

• Buy in bulk wisely. Bulk items can be a great deal, but only if you'll use them before they spoil. Consider how much you'll actually consume before you buy that giant bag of spinach or a three-pack of a specialty sauce.

The Great Food Escape:

How to Save Up to $1,800 a Year by Reducing Food Waste