Keep a Use-First Basket in Your Fridge for Items Expiring Soon

Food waste happens because things get hidden behind other things. That yogurt from last week, the half-used jar of salsa, the leftover vegetables — they sit in the back until they are past saving. Designate one clearly visible area in your fridge as the "use first" zone.

A small bin, basket, or even just a section of a shelf works. Every time you put away groceries, check for items that need to be eaten soon and move them to this spot. When you are planning a meal or looking for a snack, check the use-first basket before opening anything new. This simple visual system can cut your food waste by a third or more.