Short useful messages from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.

Read more about the article Defrost overnight in the fridge
on the barbecue by anokarina

Defrost overnight in the fridge

You can defrost frozen food overnight in the fridge but check to make sure it is thoroughly defrosted. Food can be defrosted safely in the microwave, but check that there are no frozen lumps or cold spots in the middle.

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Read more about the article Freeze both raw and cooked meats
Fresh red meat

Freeze both raw and cooked meats

You can safely freeze raw and cooked meats and even cook defrosted meat into a new meal and freeze for use on another day. Defrost it overnight in the fridge, check it is thoroughly defrosted, use within 24 hours and cook until steaming hot.

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Read more about the article Wrap food when freezing
Frozen raspberries by Abi Porter

Wrap food when freezing

Place food in an air-tight container or wrap food well in freezer bags, freezer wrap or cling film before placing in the freezer so that the cold air does not dry it out. Try to expel any air from freezer bags.

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Read more about the article Freeze food up to the use by date
Pork Shoulders by John Verive

Freeze food up to the use by date

You can safely freeze most foods right up to the use by date, not only on the day of purchase. It’s best to freeze it as soon as you know you aren’t going to use it before its use by date.

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Read more about the article Freezing food acts as a pause button
on the barbecue by anokarina

Freezing food acts as a pause button

It’s safe to freeze almost all food up until the use by date, including meat and meals cooked from previously cooked and frozen meat, such as leftovers. Once defrosted, the pause button is off, so defrost your food as you need it – and eat within 24 hours.

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Read more about the article Freeze food multi-buys
Fresh red meat

Freeze food multi-buys

If you are taking advantage of multi-buys or larger pack sizes (e.g. chicken breasts) you can freeze them individually in smaller bags. You can also “batch cook” (cook enough for two or more meals) and eat one and freeze some for later, to avoid waste and minimise the effort of cooking.

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Read more about the article Eat frozen food within 3 to 6 months
on the barbecue by anokarina

Eat frozen food within 3 to 6 months

Foods can be stored in a freezer for a long time without going off, but the quality will deteriorate over time. Eat your frozen food within 3 to 6 months, and check for any freezing instructions on the packaging.

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Read more about the article Wet wipes join with fat
Make your own wipes: Baby wipes, make-up removing wipes, and cleaning wipes by Abi Porter

Wet wipes join with fat

Some wet wipes marketed as “flushable” or biodegradable take months to decompose and, if you flush them down the toilet, quickly join with fat, oil and grease to create large pipe-blocking objects.

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Read more about the article Wet wipes block pipes
Make your own wipes: Baby wipes, make-up removing wipes, and cleaning wipes by Abi Porter

Wet wipes block pipes

Wet wipes, including baby wipes, make-up wipes, moist wipes, and cleaning wipes, are responsible for around half of the cases of blocked pipes from being flushed down the toilet. Avoid drain-clearance fees (around £100) by always putting them in the bin.

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Read more about the article Put dirty dishes straight into the dishwasher
Dirty dishes image by chefkeem

Put dirty dishes straight into the dishwasher

Don’t put dirty dishes near the dishwasher, put them straight in it; you don’t need an extra task of loading everyone’s dishes in. Turn it on just before you leave in the morning, or last thing at night, to make sure they’re always clean for when you need them.

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