45: Food Waste Is Costing You — How to Spend Less on Groceries with Chelsey Schmuland

You’re not just wasting food — you’re throwing money in the trash.This week I’m joined by returning guest Chelsey Schmuland, and we’re digging into one of the most overlooked ways to save money on groceries: reducing food waste.Chelsey is the maker behind Hive to Home, where she creates handmade beeswax wraps as a reusable alternative to plastic food storage. She’s also a grocery budgeting queen and food rescue enthusiast.We talk about how much food we’re actually wasting (and what that costs), how food rescue apps can dramatically transform your grocery budget, and why proper storage makes a bigger difference than you might think.If you’re trying to spend less, waste less, and make your kitchen work better for you — this episode is packed with strategies you can start using right away.TakeawaysFood waste is one of the fastest ways to lose money on groceries — often without realizing itFood rescue is a practical way to cut your grocery billProper storage — especially breathable storage — helps food last longerBeeswax wraps are a reusable, plastic-free way to keep food freshPlanning for leftovers and using scraps can stretch your groceries budgetStrategies on how to (re)use and store almost everythingComposting helps close the loop — but keeping food in use is the goalOne Small ShiftBefore you shop this week, check the reduced section or a food rescue app first — and build one meal around what you find.Connect with ChelseyWebsiteInstagramResourcesA Beginner’s Guide to a Sustainable Kitchen (use code PODCAST20)11 Ways to Reuse Food ScrapsHow to Prevent Food Waste with KidsHow to Use Beeswax Wraps (and Keep Food Fresh Without Plastic)Flashfood (use code is SUST7K8EA for $5 off)Too Good to Go Odd BunchSouper CubesSupport the showConnect With MeWebsiteNewsletterShopInstagramSupport the ShowSustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal StudioIf you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener.