According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 30 to 40% of the food supply is tossed away as food waste. Such wastage can easily be avoided by preventing food spoilage. To do this, food needs to be either stored better or consumed in a judicious manner. So, to help keep food fresh for longer and avoid throwing it away, here are a few ways to handle food and leftovers:  1. Ensure optimal storage environment When stored incorrectly, say at the wrong temperature, food can get spoiled quickly. Even when placing food in the fridge, there are a few steps to take. For instance, according to the USDA, the right temperature inside the fridge should be at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, while the freezer temperature should be 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything above that can encourage food spoilage. Further, the temperature indicated on the fridge might not be accurate, so experts suggest using an appliance thermometer to get the right reading. 2. Seal food in airtight containers Using resealable containers and bags here is an easy and environmentally friendly way to store food when compared to single-use containers. When meal-prepping or storing leftovers, one should avoid leaving them exposed to air and moisture, even inside the fridge, as this encourages bacterial growth in the food.