Did you know the average Kiwi household wastes $1,520 of food every year and nationally that adds up to $3.1billion worth of food per year that we buy and throw away uneaten? That’s insane!

Like imagine what you could do with $1,520 - definitely see Harry Styles live in concert is what.

And despite being the generation most concerned with climate change, Gen Z wastes the most food with 28.2 per cent of their weekly food spend going to landfill (up from 16 per cent in 2021).

When Billie saw these stats we were beyond shocked. So in an effort to learn how we can change things for the better, Billie spoke with Countdown (yup, the supermarket!) who shared some awesome tips on how we can all cut down on food waste. (Oh and a few of our fave Kiwi celebs have shared their top tips too)

Because the only thing better than saving money is saving the planet.

Save waste (and cash!) by using every last bit of your produce.

Don’t underestimate your leftovers - broccoli stalks are great in a stir fry, try baking vege peelings into chips (just add olive oil and your favourite spices) and use those celery leaves in place of expensive fresh herbs  

Plan for real life, not what think it should be.

You might start the week with the wholesome intention to cook at home every night but let’s be honest when a better offer comes up - girls night out or the flatties ordering pizza - you aren’t going to say no (nor should you). If you’re regularly throwing away meal ingredients each week, simply buy less - the planet and your wallet will thank you 

Buy fresh things you can freeze.

No matter how hard we try, salad bags always seem to look sad before we can finish them. Instead buy things you can pop in the freezer to cook later. Don’t finish your lettuce? Try spinach or kale instead - it’s tasty fresh AND easy to cook from frozen later (your grandma would tell you to blanch it first but putting the bag straight in the freezer works fine) – plus a great smoothie addition!

Share meals with friends.

Cooking for one often leads to waste so if you don’t share cooking duties in your flat, try teaming up with a friend a few nights a week. You’ll have fun, save money and if you take turns you’ll get a night or two off cooking.

Love your leftovers.

If you love trying out the latest viral recipes, go for it - as long as you eat it up. Portion out leftovers for work lunches (or the next night you’re too busy to cook) and buy some yummy sauces to keep in the work fridge so you don’t get sick of eating the same flavours.

Shop online.

It’s the easiest way to plan ahead and avoid impulse purchases and you don’t have to pay for delivery (unless you want to), Countdown’s Pick-Up option is free if you spend more than $50.

Celeb Top Tips.

Kim Crossman.

“Use all your veggies that need to be eaten and make a soup or a vegetable scramble. This is my go-to when I have neglected some of the items in the fridge and don’t want to have any waste. If it doesn’t taste too flash I tend to add copious amounts of hot sauce on top!”

Erin Wells.

“My top tip is saving fruit before it goes off! If those bananas are getting a little mushy, chop them up and chuck them in the freezer! They’re perfect for my favourite peanut butter and banana smoothie - and they keep the smoothie cold! Win-win!”

Megan Papas.

“Use the skins of your fruit! I love my indoor plants, and banana water is great for them. Just soak the skins in water for 24 hours and pour it on your plants! Then the soaked bananas can just be dug into your garden.”

“Also save all your citrus rinds, you can infuse oils with them, or dry them out and blitz them to make a yummy dried zest powder you can use in cooking, smoothies or with yoghurt! The zest is so delicious in cooking and baking, I literally never throw them out!”