Zero waste cooking: Tips for no waste meals at home

Zero waste cooking explained

Zero waste cooking is a mindful approach to meal preparation that helps you cut down on how much ends up in the trash. By planning ahead and being intentional about how you use ingredients, you can create a more sustainable kitchen where less food and packaging go to waste.

Zero waste cooking starts with planning meals, portioning carefully, and finding new ways to reuse leftover ingredients. Creative meal prep—like using shrimp shells to help make stock—helps use every part of your food and cut waste.

Benefits of zero waste cooking 

Cooking with a zero-waste approach helps shrink your environmental footprint by conserving the resources used to produce food. Plus, it could potentially help save money, reduce landfill impact, and encourage mindful eating.

Zero waste cooking examples and ideas

Zero waste cooking turns everyday ingredients—even scraps—into creative, resourceful meals. With a little planning and imagination, you can make the most of what’s already in your kitchen while cutting down on food waste. Explore the ideas below to get started.

Zero waste cooking techniques 

Zero-waste cooking techniques help you make the most of every morsel. With a few simple methods, you can stretch your food further, help reduce waste and create delicious new flavors from what you already have:

• Dehydrate in your oven: Dehydrating fruits and vegetables in your oven or air fryer is an easy way to help extend their shelf life. Ovens can handle larger batches, Air fryers work faster with circulating heat. For even drying, rotate baking sheets every few hours. Select Whirlpool^® Ranges, such as this 30-inch Induction Range, feature No Preheat Air Fry, gives you the right heat at the right time and can save you up to 10 minutes.¹

• Simmer on your cooktop: For richly flavored stock you can store in your freezer, roast beef bones, then simmer them slowly in water for several hours. Add beef scraps, aromatic vegetables and herbs for depth, and a few veal bones to boost the stock’s natural gelatin and body. Select Whirlpool^® Cooktops, such as this 36-inch Gas Cooktop, have a 5K BTU Simmer Burner, which easily maintains low, even heat. 

• Roast seeds: Preheat your oven to 300°F, then spread cleaned pumpkin, or other appropriate seeds, in a single layer on an oiled or parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until dry and crisp for a crunchy, saveable snack. Select ovens, such as this Whirlpool^® Wall Oven Microwave Combo, feature Convect Roast, which uses high heat from the bake, broil, and ring elements with the fan to circulate air around the oven cavity.

• Freeze leftovers: Freezing is a smart way to help preserve the quality and taste of your favorite foods for about 1 to 12 months (depending on the food). The ideal storage time varies for meats, fruits, vegetables, soups and leftovers. Always use labeled, sealed freezer-safe containers to store food and help prevent freezer burn.

Shop Whirlpool^® Ovens and Ranges

Whirlpool^® Ovens and Ranges can help you prepare delicious meals, as well as food  you may be able to store and eat later, including stocks. Select wall ovens, such as this double wall oven from Whirlpool brand, feature an Extra-Large Oven Window so you can keep an eye on your meal. Certain Whirlpool^® Ranges, like this 30-inch gas range, offer Edge-to-Edge Grates, which provide plenty of space to sauté, boil and simmer.

Tips for creating zero waste meals

Creating no-waste meals starts with simple habits that can help make a difference in how you shop, cook and store food. Try these tips to get started.

• Store ingredients smartly: Keep track of what’s in your freezer to help prevent overbuying and reduce food waste. Maintaining an up-to-date freezer inventory ensures you’re aware of what’s available and can plan meals accordingly.

• Reimagine leftovers: Transforming leftovers or extra ingredients into new meals is an easy way to help cut down on waste and try and stretch your grocery budget. From soups and stir-fries to casseroles and sauces, repurposing what you already have helps make the most of every ingredient.

• Compost mindfully: Composting is a natural form of recycling that turns some food scraps (like egg shells and potato peelings) and yard waste (such as leaves) into nutrient-rich soil. It can help reduce food waste while nurturing your garden soil.

• Make it doable: With thoughtful planning and the right tools, zero waste cooking techniques may be within your reach. Select Whirlpool^® kitchen appliances can help you cook and store your food, so you can make the most of your ingredients at dinner time.

Explore Whirlpool^® Refrigerators and Freezers

If you’re trying to avoid waste, select Whirlpool^® Refrigerators and Freezers have handy features to store food and help keep it top of mind. Select models, such as this 36-inch Wide Counter Depth 4 Door Refrigerator by Whirlpool brand, feature Easy-Reach Shelves, which keep everyday items in sight and help prevent small containers from getting forgotten. Certain freezers, such as this upright model by Whirlpool brand, offer Fast Freeze to help you quickly drop the temperature to its lowest setting.