Clear out your kitchen.

Article: Fresh Start for a New Year? Let’s Begin in the Kitchen.

... you might clear out a bit of the detritus that’s cluttering your shelves. Some of these things take up more space than they’re worth, while others are so much better in their real forms that the difference is laughable. Sadly, some remain in common usage even among good cooks. My point here is not to criminalize their use, but to point out how easily and successfully we can substitute for them, in every case with better results.

Here, then, is my little list of items you might spurn, along with some essential pantry and long-keeping refrigerator items you might consider.

There is also a comments section. Writes one poster:

Reading this article made me think of al those articles in the Travel section; nice places to visit, but I have neither the time nor the money to go there.

Another:

Well, if I had your salary/grocery budget I might follow your suggestions more seriously. I have a couple of suggestions: stock a few packs of Ramen to recover from the flu, a hangover or a fit of the lazy day blues- add some fresh sliced/diced onion and celery, frozen peas while the water comes to a boil- add noodles and cook- throw in a few bits of meat/fish- the dry season mix, and a slice of ginger (next hint)- splash with low-sodium soy sauce- or if you have run out and your car is frozen, teriyaki sauce.//Grate fresh ginger and roll in plastic wrap like a log and freeze. Cut off slices as needed.//Continue buying canned tomato paste. Tubed paste is a rip-off. Open both ends of can and squeeze onto plastic wrap and freeze. Cut off as needed.//Peppers can be frozen without blanching as long as the seeds and pith are removed.//Yams spoil easily in the fridge. Bake them and freeze for future use.//Carrots are good keepers and should be looked on as cakes, muffins, soups besides being sticks.//Dry spices have been hoarded and the cause of wars for centuries- just keep them cool and dark.//How much does it cost to toast croutons? Buy them on sale instead of potato chips- adds heft to soups.