Specials, value packs and larger servings are only saving you money if you need larger amounts. That three-litre bottle of milk might be on sale for only 30 cents more that the two litre this week, but if you only need two litres it's a waste of money and a litre of milk!

Value packs are great, but only if you would normally use up the amount they contain — importantly, before their expiry date. The worst-case scenario is you end up consuming larger amounts of food just to use up the whole pack, which can impact your health.

Ask yourself, "Do I really need the extra litre?" Buying more food than you actually eat means unnecessary food production and all the environmental impacts — including water usage and greenhouse gas emissions — that go with it.

Another practical way to cut down your waste is to plan your weekly meals around whole plant foods, and use a shopping list when you go shopping. This will help to make sure your meals are well balanced, and by planning you are less likely to buy food you don't eat.

Often writing out a shopping list based on a week's worth of meals can help. This way you'll know that most things you buy will be used. It also takes the stress out of that midweek dilemma of what to have for dinner!

By planning your meals and ingredient purchases you will not only be reducing waste but be kinder to your body, your bank account and the environment.

Your say: How do you manage the food in your house? Are you buying too much or do you have a system that works for you? We'd love to hear from you!

This information is provided by the Sanitarium Nutrition Service.