This Valentine's Day, show your love for both your partner and the planet by planning a thoughtful, zero-waste dinner. A yummy meal that doesn’t waste carbon is surely the way to their heart! Here's how to create a romantic, eco-friendly dining experience:

Menu planning: make the most of what you have

Start by checking your pantry and fridge to see what ingredients you already have. This approach reduces food waste and cuts down on unnecessary shopping. Here are a few zero-waste meal ideas:

• Appetiser: Bruschetta with bread and ripe tomatoes
• Main course: Pasta with seasonal vegetables
• Dessert: Fruit crumble using slightly overripe fruits

Mindful shopping: make sustainable choices

If you need to buy additional ingredients, follow these tips to shop sustainably:

• Make a list to avoid impulse purchases
• Choose loose produce to reduce packaging waste
• Opt for seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to minimise your carbon footprint
• Bring reusable bags and containers to skip unnecessary packaging

Portion control: keep it just right

Prepare appropriate serving sizes to avoid leftovers. If you have extras, repurpose them for lunch or transform them into another meal. You can also freeze food to extend its shelf life—check our best before date guide to help you determine what’s still good to eat. Minimising waste while ensuring everyone gets a satisfying meal has never been easier!

Cooking tips: maximise every ingredient

To keep your meal truly zero-waste, try these tips:

• Save vegetable scraps for homemade stock
• Compost unavoidable food waste to enrich the soil and reduce landfill waste

For more inspiration and ideas, visit FoodCloud Recipes, where you can find our collection of zero-waste recipes.

Why choose zero-waste?

Zero-waste living isn’t just good for the environment—it also helps you save money and improve your well-being. By making the most of what you already have at home, you’ll reduce unnecessary waste and adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.

Whether it's through smarter shopping or cooking with intention, small changes can make a big impact. This Valentine's Day, make it about love for both your partner and the planet.