Sustainable Eating in Cluj: How to Reduce Food Waste as a Student

Living as a student in Cluj-Napoca can be an adventure sometimes. Especially when managing groceries and food waste.

You don’t want to overbuy, but the cravings hit while you’re shopping and when you get home you realize that you don’t feel like eating those apples right now, so they end up rotting again on the kitchen table, right? A solution for those apples would be to boil them, add some sugar or honey, a bit of cinnamon and there you have it: a delicious “compot” (translation: a type of natural fruit juice that Romanians make during the winter, or stock in jars in a cold place for the entire year). Sounds good, right? Give it a try! But don’t wait for the apples to rot before you do this! It’s best when they are still eatable.

 The good news is that reducing food waste isn’t just good for the planet—it’s also a game-changer for your wallet and your sanity. Here’s how you can become a sustainable eating pro in Cluj while keeping things fun and manageable.

1. First things first: Try not to overbuy!

Let’s start with the golden rule of sustainable eating: buy only what you need. It’s easy to get carried away at Piata Marasti with its mountains of fresh veggies or grab an extra bag of chips at Lidl “just in case.” But before you shop, take a minute to plan your meals for the week.

Write down what you actually need—yes, down to the number of bananas (because who hasn’t ended up with a whole bunch turning brown on the counter?). Stick to that list like your semester grades depend on it.

Bonus tip: Go to the market with cash and a set budget. You’ll be amazed at how creative you can get when you’re shopping on a 20 lei limit! Think of it as a real-life adventure game.

2. Master the art of food storage (Your fridge is not a jungle)

Do you know where lettuce goes to die? At the bottom of the fridge in a damp, forgotten bag. Let’s change that. Here’s how to keep your food fresh longer:

• Fruits and Veggies: Separate the two! Some fruits release ethylene gas that makes veggies spoil faster. Keep them in different sections or bags.
• Herbs: Wrap them in a damp paper towel and store them in a container. Instant freshness hack!
• Leftovers: Label them with the date (or get creative with names like “Mystery Curry 2.0”) so you know what to eat first.

And if you’re not going to use something soon? Toss it in the freezer! Ripe bananas, bread, or even cooked rice freeze beautifully and can be your saving grace on lazy days.

3. Get creative with leftovers (You’re a chef now)

Maybe not as creative as Maria Karapa, so do not use leftovers if they are expired. But if they are still good, try combining them in ways that you think you’ll like.

Leftovers aren’t boring—they’re an opportunity to flex your creativity. Here’s how you can give them a makeover:

• Rice Reboot: Yesterday’s rice becomes today’s fried rice. Add soy sauce, some veggies, and an egg, and boom—better than takeout.
• Bread Resurrection: Stale bread? Make croutons, French toast, or even bread pudding. Your taste buds will thank you. Or if the bread is too hard to eat, water it and put it in the oven for five minutes – and there you have it, soft and warm bread!
• Smoothie Magic: Got mushy fruit? Blend it with yogurt or milk for a delicious smoothie. Bonus points for adding spinach (you won’t taste it, I promise).

Pro tip: Start a “Use-It-Up” night where you raid your fridge and pantry for whatever’s about to expire. It’s like an episode of MasterChef, but with less pressure and more laughter.

4. Share the love (and the food)

Sometimes you just have too much. Maybe you went wild at Kaufland’s pasta sale, or your roommate bailed on your dinner plans. Instead of letting food go to waste, why not share?

Host a potluck with friends where everyone contributes what they have. You’ll turn random leftovers into a feast.

Join local food-sharing groups or apps—yes, they exist! Search for Cluj-specific Facebook groups or platforms where people post surplus food.

Or just give it away to those less fortunate.

Conclusion: small steps, big impact!

Sustainable eating isn’t about being perfect; it’s about making small changes that add up. Start by planning your shopping, storing food properly, and getting creative with leftovers. Share what you can, compost what you can’t, and enjoy exploring Cluj’s incredible food scene guilt-free.

So, what’s your next step? Will you try a leftover makeover or hit the local market with a strict budget? Let us know in the comments below—we’d love to hear your tips and stories!

Remember: Every little bit counts, and hey, you might even save enough to treat yourself to a fancy coffee at Meron. Cheers to sustainable (and delicious) living in Cluj!