buying items from the front of the shelf
Refers to the practice of choosing products with the earliest expiration dates, often promoted to reduce food waste. Originated from a campaign to reduce food waste.
I try to practice buying items from the front of the shelf at the supermarket.
Buying from the front of the shelf helps reduce food waste.
Compound of 手前 (てまえ, 'front') and 取り (どり, 'taking'). The term gained currency through a food-waste reduction campaign.