Show Love for the Planet with these Fast and Frugal Food Tips

If you are a student on a budget, choosing foods that are as healthy for the environment as they are for the body may feel overwhelming at first glance. I know, I’ve been there. It’s complicated enough to choose healthy foods that don’t break the bank and also taste good, are easy to prepare, and that keep long enough to make tasty leftovers so you don’t feel like all of that delicious food that you just made goes to waste. It’s a lot to keep track of when you have a million and one things going on with your studies. But don’t sweat it just yet; there’s a way to be frugal and fast with your food and STILL show love for the planet.

Step 1: plan ahead of time. Meal planning is an excellent way to get in and out of the store fast with only what you need, sparing precious dollars that would otherwise go to that bag of Doritos you just couldn’t help but snag as you wandered aimlessly through the grocery store. Meal planning also produces less food waste as you’re using everything that you buy for future meals; leftovers will prove to be very helpful here. Planning ahead of time also means less packaged waste, as you will be less inclined to buy that prepackaged meal in a fit of hunger since you’ll already have your delicious pre-packed lunch ready and waiting. Find out how to get started with meal planning on a budget here.

Step 2: avoid prepackaged meals and purchase package free if possible. It may seem daunting, as most foods at the grocery store have some sort of packaging. But, it’s possible to buy package free or at the least, recyclable packaged items. Shop the produce section using your own bags from home; buy pasta, rice, nuts, seeds, flour, and other dry goods in bulk with your own containers. Buy milk or juice in recyclable cardboard containers without plastic lids, and go for bread in paper bags instead of plastic. Even if you can’t manage to buy all of your food package free or recyclable, reduced waste on any level benefits the planet.

Step #: reduce food waste! If your bread, meat, or veggies look to be going bad before you can finish them up, freeze them for later. Try saving vegetable scraps by freezing them in a freeze safe container and use them to make a yummy veggie broth later. If all else fails, compost! It’s easier than you think, even if you live in an apartment. Check out a tutorial here to get started.

And there you have it. Three easy steps to give back to your body and to the environment. Now you’ve heard my two cents…what do you do to be kind to yourself and to the earth?