The classic grocery conundrum: you’ve got food in the fridge, but for whatever reason, you’re not ready to eat it. We all know what happens next. Your food spoils and you’re left minus and meal and out a couple bucks. The average household wastes about 25% of the groceries it brings in, which ultimate wastes about $1,300-$2,300 a year in uneaten groceries. Stop wasting food and money! Try these ten brilliant tricks to keep food fresh until you’re ready to eat it. Watch the video below to see how.

Try any of these tricks to extend the life of your food and save yourself a few bucks:

TIP 1: POTATOES AND ONION

Make sure to store these guys in a cool, dry, dark environment. Make sure they’re separate from other veggies and not in the fridge.

The best place for them? A cabinet in a wire basket.

TIP 2: MAKE SURE YOUR FRIDGE IS AT THE RIGHT TEMP

Sounds silly, but you want your fridge to do its job, right? Try to keep your fridge as close to 35 degrees as possible. If it’s any less, your food will start to freeze. If it gets over 38 degrees, bacteria will multiply and food poisoning will be inevitable.

TIP 3: INVEST IN AN ETHYLENE ABSORBER

Ethylene makes fruits ripen faster. Even if some fruits don’t expel ethanol, if they’re around fruits that DO, their ripening will be quickened. These absorbers will take the ethylene out of the air and therefore slow the ripening process.

TIP 4: KEEP BANANAS FRESH

Bananas have to stored separately, because their stems release a lot of ethylene. For extra long lives, cover those tops with plastic wrap.

TIP 5: KEEP LETTUCE FRESH

Ever notice how lettuce starts to look sad in the fridge? Kind of wilted and droopy? Keep lettuce fresh but wrapping it in paper towel before putting it back in its plastic and then into the fridge.

Those are just a few of our favorite tips, but make sure to watch the video above to get all the handy tips.

What do you think of this food and money saving tips? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.