Arash Derambarsh tells of the origins of his battle against the gachis in his book "anti-waste manifesto" by the elected of Courbevoie (more than two million tons of food are thrown every year in France!), The beginning of mobilization in his city. Then the rise of the phenomenon, thanks to a petition, launched on the site change.org , signed by 210 000 people to this day, reinforced by a second petition, this time, having already collected 700 000 signatures! And finally this amendment voted in the National Assembly on May 21, 2015. A victory against the large distribution and tons of food thrown in the trash. Despite the invalidation of the Constitutional Council a few months later, Arash Derambarsh remains hopeful and awaits the vote of a forthcoming law requiring large stores to redistribute their surplus rather than throw them away.

But to act, the elected representative of Courbevoie focuses on the responsibility of the consumer. In his "Manifesto Against Waste" Arash Derambarsh gives us 6 tricks to take the problem to the root from home.

1 Do not go shopping empty stomach

"You may be tempted to buy products that may make you want to do so at the moment (...) and that you risk forgetting at the bottom of your fridge or a cupboard" writes the elected food waste . To avoid being dictated his commissions by a belly that grumbles, one is therefore careful to leave satisfied. It can be in the morning after breakfast in the early afternoon, or after a snack at the end of the day to avoid cravings . Whatever the moment, especially with the binding hours of work, one thinks to swallow a little something.

2 Shopping with a detailed list

To optimize his races, Arash Derambarsh advocates to identify his needs beforehand. So we take a look at his fridge before leaving, it does not eat bread. According to what we lack and what we already have, we scribble a list, and above all, we stick to it! In this way, duplicates are avoided. Then the elected representative advises to buy our products radius by radius, to avoid dragging in front of the heads of gondolas and to be tempted by unnecessary products.

3 Monitor expiry dates

For Arash Derambarsh, one of the key solutions to curb food waste is on the expiry dates . By choosing products with a short DLC, the stock of foodstuffs that supermarkets deem unfit for consumption are reduced. As most products are consumable well beyond their deadline. As proof, the DLC of yogurts sent to the overseas territories is extended by 30 days compared to that of mainland France ...

4 Beware of promotional offers

Attention to the call of the promo ... "Promotions are generally motivated by a close expiry date and lead to buying excessive quantities" warns Arash Derambarsh. If one of our products is on sale, banco, but we keep to its shopping list. Otherwise, it 's sure everything will end up (again) in the garbage before even having the chance to be engulfed ...

5 Respect the cold chain and freeze the surplus

The fight against waste also involves controlling the rules of freezing. Fresh or frozen products must be put in the cart last, to respect the cold chain. Then from the supermarket to the fridge, one uses isothermal bags. If there are leftovers after a meal, place them in a freezer bag or a box, remembering to include the date and freezing them. The remains of a meal are thus extended by 48 hours. As for the other perishable products, they can be kept for several months. That's less to the trash.

6 Organizing your refrigerator

We do not think enough, but the organization of his fridge is essential in the fight against waste. Foods with the shortest DLC should be placed directly within reach.

Arash Derambarsh's "Manifesto Against Waste", published on 2 November by Fayard.