Attacking the fridge

With the help of my friend Elaine, I finally tackled the fridge today. What a disaster! I initially told Elaine that I thought I had cleaned out the fridge as recently as last summer. Not so. The "Best Before" dates of items in the fridge told us that it was probably the summer of 2011. No, I think I did at least a mini-cleanup last summer or fall.

"Before" photo of inside of fridge

We filled several gallon-sized bags with compost material and poured several dozen bottles of salad dressings, syrups and sauces down the drain. I had purchased multiples of most common condiments. The experience was illuminating. Most bottles contain about 500 ml -- about two cups -- of liquid. As a single person living alone, this is WAY TOO MUCH for me to reasonably use before the usual best before date. Does anyone sell seasonings, sauces and dressings in smaller quantities? Do I need to just make small amounts myself instead of purchasing large bottles that I will never finish?

This is all I can write tonight. I'll pick up on this tomorrow. I smell like salad dressing after basting in it for several hours while cleaning out the fridge. I think I'll take a bath. I post the "after" photo tomorrow. I still have some stuff to go through before I can consider myself finished.

Time -- 2 people, 3 hours + 4 hours more for me