Though food waste is a common issue, the following are some practical ways for families to keep it under control. Make sure you do check your refrigerator and pantry before you go shopping to avoid buying things you already have. It is also a good idea to make a weekly meal plan so that you only purchase the ingredients that you will use in that week. Properly store fruits, vegetables, dairy and other food items to keep them fresh. Food leftovers should be stored in labeled containers in a timely manner. Food Management is one of the first areas to tackle when learning how to reduce waste at home since wasted food is wasted water, energy, labour and transportation. Freeze food before it goes bad and utilize vegetable scraps as stocks or for composting when applicable. Even purchasing fruit and vegetables without too much packaging can help to cut down on household waste and make consumers more eco-aware about their shopping habits.