We all know the common ways to be more environmentally friendly - like recycling and using less water.

But there's another way to help keep the planet clean - and it starts in your kitchen.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, we waste up to 40% of our food. How can we waste less? Start with these three simple steps:

Start with a waste audit. Track your trash for a week, see what's filling it up, see if there's a way to remove or replace this item with something more earth Friendly.

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Plan meals and make deliberate grocery store shopping lists. You'll save food and money.

Freeze food that can't be eaten immediately, but could be consumed at a later date.