A recent study of over 5,000 American households found that Americans throw away almost 70 percent of the food they buy. When asked why they waste food, survey participants cited spoilage as the number one reason. If you're interested in some techniques that may help you save money by wasting less food, read on. We've compiled some simple ideas to help you better utilize plastic food storage containers.

1. Freezer-proof storage bags: these are special plastic food storage containers that were developed to keep food from freezer burn. While storing food in sub-zero temperatures, it can undergo a chemical process that dehydrates the food and gives it a bad taste. This chemical process is freezer burn. Special freezer bags are available that will help your food avoid freezer burn and remain as you bought it for as long as 3 years.

2. Breathable vegetable bags: as the name says, these bags were created to help fruits and vegetables breathe and stay fresh longer. Their function is to both seal your fruits and veggies so they won't spoil while still maintaining some air circulation within the bag. The bags do work much more effectively than plastic food storage containers and may, depending on the produce, help them maintain freshness for up to six weeks.

3. Multi-compartment plastic food storage containers: these plastic containers are great for small amounts of leftovers, homemade broth, fruits and veggies, and just about anything else you can think of. They are especially handy because you can pop one "cube" of frozen food out at a time, making serving leftovers a breeze. Freeze individual cubes of fruit for smoothies or broth for soups.

4. Vacuum food storage: by using a special machine to extract air from your plastic food storage containers or bags you can keep your food fresh longer than using any other method. By leaving the containers free of air, your food will retain freshness and avoid freezer burn. Sucking the air out of the containers also means that they will take up less space in your refrigerator or freezer.

Are you tired of throwing away food that turned bad before you had a chance to use it? Do you ever run out of room in your freezer or buy in bulk to save money? Well, if this is true, it is time to use your refrigerator and freezer to extend the life of your groceries and achieve long term food storage with special food containers.

A study found over 5,000 American households throw away almost 70% of the food they buy due to spoilage. Plastic food storage containers can help control food waste and save money. Use freezer-proof storage bags to stop freezer-burn which dehydrates food and causes a foul taste. Use breathable vegetable bags which circulate air around fruits and vegetables for long term food storage up to six weeks. Freeze small portions of fruit for smoothies or broth for soups in cubes. Vacuum food storage takes up less freezer space and prevents freezer burn. Save money and freezer space and extend the life of your groceries with special food containers like these.