Expiration dates are misleading. This chart isn’t.

What you need to know about the longevity of sustainable staples

You open the fridge and excavate a container of tofu that’s been hiding behind the beer, only to find that its “best by” date passed last week. It looks okay—nothing blue and fuzzy going on—but the phrase “When in doubt, throw it out” is lodged in your head, right where your parents stuck it, and so you toss it. You’re not alone. 

Food accounts for more …