New action
Freeze surplus food you will eat
Freezing surplus portions can prevent edible waste if the food is later eaten.
Your scenario, drawn
Freezing is only the first step
Only the share actually eaten later contributes to prevented waste; freezing alone does not.
Edible food actually eaten instead of wasted. This is a mass of food, not a carbon saving; storage energy is excluded.
Sources and scope ↗Read the values
| Eaten later | 0.4 kg |
|---|---|
| Not counted | 0.1 kg |
| Annual difference | 20.8 kg food |
What changes the result +
EPA recommends freezing food before it spoils; USDA provides safe handling guidance. Chill perishables promptly; the illustration shows portioning, not storage on the counter. Count only food otherwise wasted and actually eaten later. Freezer electricity, containers and thawing are outside this food-mass calculation.
Portion surplus food into suitable shallow containers, label the date and chill promptly. Follow the linked guidance for freezing and thawing.
03 / Sources and scope
Documented mechanism
What the evidence supports
Freezing surplus portions can prevent edible waste if the food is later eaten. EPA recommends freezing food before it spoils; USDA provides safe handling guidance.
Boundary of the claim
Chill perishables promptly; the illustration shows portioning, not storage on the counter. Count only food otherwise wasted and actually eaten later. Freezer electricity, containers and thawing are outside this food-mass calculation.
- Preventing Wasted Food At Home
Consulted section (original language): Planning, storage and preparation tips
Consultation: Webpage / full text
- Freezing and Food Safety
Consulted section (original language): Safe thawing; freezing and storage
Consultation: Webpage / full text
- Leftovers and Food Safety
Consulted section (original language): Rapid chilling; safe storage and reheating
Consultation: Webpage / full text
Avoid counting the same change twice
Sources reviewed:
