9 easy ways to reduce food waste when dining out

As you dine out with your family and friends this festive season, there's a higher tendency to indulge in more food than usual. And that's perfectly understandable.

After all, we tend to eat more when we're in good company and spirits. Just be mindful to avoid over-ordering, because food waste is a real issue in Singapore.

According to the National Environment Agency, food waste accounts for 10 per cent of the total waste generated in Singapore, but only 18 per cent of food waste gets recycled.

One thing all of us can do? Prevent and reduce food wastage at its source. Bear these tips in mind when you're eating out:

• Order only what you can eat. Start with less food on the table and order more later, if you need to.

• Come back another day to try other dishes instead of trying everything on your first visit.

• Ask for advice. Consult the server on portion sizes to determine how much to order.

• Downsize your order. If you intend to eat less, ask for a smaller portion.

• Swap sides. If a dish contains something you don't eat, request for a replacement when ordering.

• Share dishes. Offer a portion to your dining partners before you start eating.

• Don't rush to order more. It takes 15-20 minutes after eating to start feeling full.

• Appreciate the effort that goes into producing your food by finishing everything on your plate.

• Give your feedback to the restaurant so that they can improve the dish and avoid future wastage.

SOURCE: NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

A version of this article was first published in The Straits Times.