Zero-waste living is a concept that’s taken shape over the past 40 years or so. Although no scientific evidence directly links zero-waste cooking to better human health outcomes, it may benefit your health in several ways.

1. Aids Environmental Health.
When we throw food away, it not only wastes the food itself but also the abundance of resources including water, energy, land, and labor that went into growing, preparing, and distributing the food.

Wasted food is also a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. These gases absorb heat and trap it in the atmosphere, which leads to global warming.

The food system as a whole contributes nearly 13% of all greenhouse gas emissions each year. Wasted food — spoiled or thrown away; accounts for nearly 8% of gases. Thus, less food waste means fewer greenhouse gas emissions and a healthier planet for all.

2. May Improve People’s Nutrient Intake.
Less food waste also means more food to go around for others. Due to their perishable nature, many nutritious fruits and vegetables spoil before they can be eaten.

Ensuring that these nutrient-dense foods are eaten instead of discarded may help others increase their intake of health-promoting nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Plus, by avoiding food containers and packaging, you may reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals used to make plastics and other food-grade materials.