Put small clear bin or plate at front of fridge. Any produce that’s aging goes there. Check it before cooking dinner.
The rule: Before you cook, you must check Eat Me First bin and use something from it.
Why it works: Eliminates “hidden at back” problem. Aging items become visible priority.
What Goes In
- Wilting cilantro bunch
- Soft bell pepper
- Slimy spinach bag
- Brown-spotted bananas
- Aging leftovers (within 3 days of cooking)
Not: Items that are already bad. Those go straight to trash/compost.
The Visual Trigger
If bin is full, you’re buying too much perishable. If bin is always empty, you’re probably wasting nothing (or you’re not catching things in time).
Ideal state: 2-3 items at any time. You use them within 24-48 hours.
North: Where this comes from
- Visual Management Systems (making problems visible)
- FIFO (First In, First Out inventory)
West: What’s similar?
- Inbox Zero (visible queue for action items)
- Kanban Board (work-in-progress limit)