Repackaging Food to Reduce Waste

South Strafford, VT: Are you getting ready for a trip into the backcountry this summer? Try repackaging food for a simple way to save time in the kitchen and to reduce the amount of trash you will need to carry out. This easy to implement Tech Tip, makes a huge difference in the efficiency of a backcountry kitchen when it comes time to cook.

There are many benefits to repackaging food including:

• Reduced pack weight
• Reduced total trash to carry out
• Reduces the chance of dropping granola bar wrappers/bags
• Portioned meals, making cooking easier!
• Organized meal selection
• Faster meal prep

If you haven’t done it before, repackage your food prior to your trip. Use plastic baggies or reusable containers; portion your food, and ditch the waste at home where it can be easily recycled or thrown out. By reducing the amount of garbage going into the backcountry, we all reduce the chance of accidently dropping granola bar wrappers, or burning cardboard.

For a fresh meal prepare vegetables or meat by cutting them to size. Freeze the ingredients prior to the trip to preserve freshness while out on the trail. We recommend to use fresh ingredients first to avoid the food from spoiling over time.

Enjoy your world and Leave No Trace!

Steph and Andy –

Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer Team East

Leave No Trace’s Steph Whatton and Andy Mossey are part of the 2016 Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer Program that provides free, mobile education to communities across the country. Proud partners of this program include Subaru of America, REI, Fjall Raven, ENO, Deuter, Thule, Taxa Outdoors and SmartWool.