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Warehouse club stores and bulk deals are great but don't forget to factor in how much spoilage you have when buy large quantities of items. Spoilage rates can be as much as 15% in some households and as high as 50% for fresh fruits and vegetables. Who hasn't had that big container of plain yogurt that somehow made it to the back of the refrigerator without ever being opened only to be discovered 3 months later? To reduce food spoilage and save as much as $25 to $50 a month, try these handy tips:
- Make sure you clean out your refrigerator once a week
- Right size your meals if you aren't good at keeping track of your leftovers
- Keep a list or calendar of leftover meals if you make these
- Resist the urge to buy super size packages if you don't tend to finish them
- Plan your shopping around the meals that you intend to cook, then cook them
- Eat out less, you'll finish more of the food you have
- Keep your refrigerator 38 degrees or below
The last tip reminds us that sometimes when we try to save money (in this case by turning up the refrigerator to a warmer temperature), it often costs us more than the savings we get.
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