My local natural foods store does something really cool — they mark down items that have a close expiration date. I know a lot of stores do that with meats and poultry, but this store marks down almost-expired food in every department.

Yesterday, I bought some perfectly good yogurt for half the price and ate it for breakfast today. It expires tomorrow. I knew I would eat it right away, so I wasn’t worried about it going bad, and I certainly appreciate the discount.

It got me thinking – when I go to the grocery store, I usually check the expiration dates on the label and buy the item with the date that’s furthest off, even if I’m planning to eat it within a day or two.

But, in most cases, food that isn’t sold by the expiration date gets tossed. Not only does that create more garbage, but it’s a waste of all the energy that has gone into producing and shipping that food.

So, when you’re shopping, check the expiration date. If you know you’ll eat the food before it expires, buy the item with the closer expiration date.

Drop a note in your local grocery store’s suggestion box asking them to mark down almost-expired food to cut down on waste. Better yet, save the paper and send them an e-mail.