Food waste is a pressing global issue that significantly impacts our environment and depletes natural resources. In the United States alone, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that approximately 30–40% of the food supply goes to waste each year. This staggering figure not only represents a misuse of resources but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

The good news? You can play a part in addressing this issue by adopting simple habits like meal planning, buying only what you need, and storing food properly. Another creative and eco-friendly approach is to repurpose food scraps that might otherwise end up in the trash. With some ingenuity, you can minimize waste, save money, and reduce your environmental footprint.

Here are 14 innovative ways to repurpose food scraps and make the most of every ingredient.

1. Pickle Watermelon Rinds

Watermelon is a favorite summertime treat, but its rinds are often discarded. Instead of tossing them, try pickling them for a crunchy, flavorful snack.

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To pickle watermelon rinds, simmer them in a mixture of vinegar, water, sugar, and salt until they soften. You can also add spices like ginger, cinnamon, or cloves to create a unique taste. These pickled rinds make a delicious snack or an interesting addition to charcuterie boards.

2. Make Homemade Bone Broth

Skip store-bought bone broths and make your own at home using leftover bones from meats. Homemade bone broth is cost-effective, nutritious, and versatile.

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To make bone broth, roast the bones for added flavor, then place them in a large pot filled with water. Let the mixture simmer for 24–48 hours. Strain it using a fine mesh sieve, pour it into jars, and refrigerate. Bone broth can be used as a comforting drink, a base for soups, or a flavorful addition to recipes like gravies and stews.

3. Turn Stale Bread into Croutons

Have a loaf of bread that’s gone stale? Transform it into crispy, homemade croutons.

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Cut the bread into cubes, toss them with olive oil and seasonings like garlic powder, rosemary, or black pepper, and bake at 400°F (205°C) for 10–15 minutes until golden and crunchy. These croutons add a delightful crunch to salads, soups, and casseroles.

4. Sauté Leafy Green Stems

The fibrous stems of leafy greens like kale and collards are often thrown away, but they’re entirely edible and nutritious.

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Chop the stems into small pieces and sauté them with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite seasonings for a tasty and nutrient-packed side dish. You can also add them to stir-fries or soups for extra texture.

5. Regrow Vegetables in Water

You can regrow vegetables like celery, cabbage, green onions, and leeks from their stalks. This not only reduces waste but also saves money on groceries.

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Simply cut the bottom portion of the stalk and place it in a shallow bowl with water. Within a few days, you’ll notice new growth. Once the plant has regrown enough, you can harvest and enjoy it again!

6. Use Beet, Carrot, and Radish Leaves

The leafy tops of root vegetables like beets, carrots, and radishes are often discarded, but they’re highly versatile and nutritious.

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These greens can be sautéed, blended into pesto, or added to soups, salads, and smoothies. They have a slightly earthy flavor that complements a variety of dishes.

7. Make Homemade Vegetable Stock

Vegetable scraps like onion skins, carrot peels, and celery ends can be repurposed into a flavorful veggie stock.

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To make vegetable stock, collect scraps in a container and store them in the freezer. Once you have enough, simmer them with water, garlic, and herbs for 20–30 minutes. Strain the liquid and use it to add depth to soups, stews, and grain dishes.

8. Use Coffee Grounds as Fertilizer

Used coffee grounds are an excellent natural fertilizer for plants. They enrich the soil with organic material, improve water retention, and attract beneficial earthworms.

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To use coffee grounds as fertilizer, sprinkle them around your plants or mix them into the top layer of soil. Just be mindful not to use too much, as it can create clumps that block water absorption.

9. Freeze Fresh Herbs for Later Use

If you have leftover fresh herbs, freezing them is a great way to preserve their flavor.

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Start by washing the herbs, removing the stems, and chopping them. Place the herbs into an ice cube tray, cover with water or olive oil, and freeze. Once solid, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. These herb cubes are perfect for flavoring soups, stews, and sauces.

10. Make Fruit Peel Jam

Don’t throw away peels from fruits like apples, oranges, or lemons—they can be turned into delicious homemade jam.

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To make fruit peel jam, cook the peels in water for 25–30 minutes, then strain. Boil the liquid with sugar and lemon juice until it thickens, and store it in sterilized jars. This jam is a wonderful topping for toast, yogurt, or desserts.

11. Create DIY Citrus Air Fresheners

Citrus peels are excellent for freshening up your home.

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You can scoop out the flesh from fruits like oranges or grapefruits and fill the rinds with a mixture of sea salt, herbs, and essential oils. Alternatively, simmer citrus peels with water and spices like cinnamon or cloves on the stovetop to fill your kitchen with a pleasant aroma.

12. Make Bird-Friendly Suet with Bacon Grease

Leftover bacon grease can be transformed into suet—a type of bird food that helps birds stay warm in winter.

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Strain the grease through a fine mesh sieve, mix it with ingredients like peanut butter, unsalted nuts, or dried fruit, and let it harden. Place the suet in a bird feeder to attract a variety of feathered friends to your garden.

13. Freeze Leftover Tomato Paste

Instead of letting leftover tomato paste go to waste, freeze it for future use.

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Spoon small portions of tomato paste onto a lined baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Transfer the frozen portions to a freezer bag, where they’ll keep for up to three months. These individual servings are convenient for recipes that require just a tablespoon or two of tomato paste.

14. Compost Food Scraps

Composting is one of the most effective ways to recycle food scraps and enrich your soil.

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You can compost a wide range of items, including fruit and vegetable trimmings, eggshells, coffee grounds, and yard waste. Composting can be done in your backyard or indoors with a kitchen compost bin. Many cities also offer community composting programs for residents.

The Bottom Line

Food waste is a serious issue, but with a little creativity and effort, you can significantly reduce it in your home. From pickling watermelon rinds to making your own veggie stock, these ideas not only help minimize waste but also save money and promote sustainability.

Experimenting with food scraps can also inspire you to try new recipes and expand your culinary skills. Who knows? You might discover some delicious new dishes while making a positive impact on the planet.

So, the next time you’re about to toss food scraps, think twice—you could be throwing away your next kitchen masterpiece!