Brooklyn Grange partners Winston Chiu and Ansastasia Cole Plakias are passionate about reducing food waste--and you should be too. Here are their top tips for growing zero-waste food, from farm to table. 

Photograph by Matthew Williams

1. Grow herbs, not tomatoes.

Photograph by Mimi Giboin

Herbs are easier to grow than vegetables that require lots of water and energy.

Photograph by Erin Boyle

2. Buy Ugly

Photograph by Anastasia Cole Plakias, courtesy of Brooklyn Grange Rooftop Farm

More than a fifth of fruits and vegetables grown in the USA get thrown out for being 'ugly'. 

Home-pickling lengthens vegetables' lifespans by months.

Photograph by Katrin Scharl

3. Pickle It

4. Stock Up for Stocks

Photograph by Lindsey Love

Save kitchen scraps to make flavorful stocks.

Save citrus peels to deodorize in-sink garbage disposals.

Photograph by Margot Guralnick

5. See the Appeal of Peel

6. Save Stalks and Tops

Almost any stalk or vegetable top can be turned into a pesto.

Photograph by Daniel Dent

7. Dehydrate & Rehydrate

Extend the lives of mushrooms by dehydrating them.

Photograph by Justine Hand

8. Freeze It

Fresh produce that's on the verge of wilting can be frozen for later use.

Photograph by Michelle Slatalla