Today we have another great guest post from Faylee!

Studies have shown American families throw an average of 14% of their food budget in the trash each week. Spoilage from improper storage of food items accounts for most of it. Fourteen percent per week comes to $21.00 of an average $150.00 food budget for a family of four. When added up over a year, 52 weeks times the $21.00 equals $1092.00 of your money going to a landfill.

Just think what you could do with $1092.00 in your budget. Buy a better cut of meat, more produce or maybe even a new grill to cook that food on. I’m sure if you are like me, it would come in handy in lots of places in your budget. Below are some tips on how to save your food item, thus giving you a better lifestyle.

[1] Before freezing your meat, take it out of the store packaging. It will only remain fresh and useful in an air tight package. My favorite is the plastic wrap that forms to the shape of anything, then seals out the air. After wrapping it, I place it into a ziplock freezer bag before placing it into the freezer. The double layer will protect your meat from 99% of freezer burn. Do not forget to write on the outside what kind of meat it is and the date you placed it in the freezer.

[2] Do not store fruits and vegetables in the same refrigerator drawer. Some fruits emit a gas that speeds the ripening of other produce. If you have to use the same drawer due to space limitations, put them in separate glass or plastic containers. If you have not tried the new green bags showing up in your grocery store, think about getting you some of those. The free ones that are offered in the produce department, work nicely, too.

[3] Some produce actually last longer when kept at room temperature. Squash, tomatoes, pears and oranges are a few that improve in flavor when not in the cooler temperature of a refrigerator.

[4] Wrap your celery in aluminum foil before placing it in the refrigerator and it will last for weeks.

[5] An unlikely item that will help cut down on spoilage of your produce in the refrigerator is the inside liner of your cereal boxes. I use them and keep a few on hand at all times. I have kept lettuce in one for well over a week and it came out just as crispy on day 7 as it was on day one.

So when the box is empty, take out the liner, wipe the insides with a damp cloth or paper towel, then dry. They can be folded until you need them.