Do you have leftover fruit and vegetables lingering at the back of your fridge, destined for the bin? Unfortunately, you’re not the only one. An astounding 4.7 million tonnes of edible food is thrown away by UK households each year. That’s an estimated one in five bags of food that goes to waste each week!
Food Waste Action Week has finally arrived and this year it is tackling our shopping habits! Food Waste Action Week is a national campaign created with the aim to halve food waste by 2030. Research shows if all apples, bananas and potatoes were sold loose, we could save 60,000 tonnes of food waste.
The good news is that with a few simple changes, you’ll cut down your household’s food waste in no time. Where to begin?
- Buy your produce loose. Fruits, vegetables and baked goods can be found loose at most supermarkets.
- Plan your meals ahead of your food shop. Make a note of what you need and exactly how much.
- Ditch the plastic wrap. Supermarkets often provide paper bags or you can purchase net bags to reuse over and over again!
Though these changes may be easy, we understand that from time to time, excess food waste can happen. Edible food should never go to waste, you can help someone in need by donating to your local food bank. Be the positive change you want to see in your community as well as the environment.
For more hints and tips on reducing your food waste, visit the Surrey Environment Partnership website.