Before It ExpiresLook beyond the item in the bin
Food production uses water, land and energy. The EPA prioritises preventing wasted food.
A household inventory cannot measure the complete footprint of a product. Before It Expires records stock, quantities and optional costs; it does not calculate carbon savings. Keep that distinction clear when reviewing your own progress.
Choose a habit you can observe
Pick one recurring situation: produce disappearing at the back of the fridge, duplicate pantry purchases or portions that regularly remain unused. Record what happens for a short period. Then choose an adjustment you can see in the next shopping trip or stock check.
- Give one frequently forgotten product a clear place in your routine.
- Check existing quantities before buying the same item again.
- Update the record after using part of a package.
- Look for repeated causes, not a perfect score.
Keep the wider picture in perspective
UNEP’s Food Waste Index Report 2024 examines waste in households, food service and retail. Your own record has a different purpose: helping you make a practical decision in your kitchen. It is not directly comparable with national or global estimates.
Some scraps are unavoidable and food safety comes first. Use local instructions for waste collection and composting where appropriate. The most useful starting point for the app is the food you intended to eat but repeatedly forgot, overbought or lost track of.