"Every day in the UK we waste
20m slices of bread, 280 tonnes of poultry, 4.4m potatoes and much more" (Plester, 2021)
It is quite a sobering fact that one of
the biggest contributors to climate change is food waste. In all aspects of operations, from manufacturing to delivering, food waste accounts for 10% of greenhouse gas emissions (Too Good To
Go, 2021). Is this something we consider when loading our trolley in a
weekly shop? When over-ordering our local takeaway to celebrate the end of the
week? Or during the Sunday night fridge clear out?
I know I don't always consider this and that I am guilty of unnecessarily wasting food. So how can we change?
1. Meal Planning
One way to ensure that food is
utilised is by planning realistically. This requires some time and commitment
but will pay off! Ask yourself:
· How much
food do you need? Check out a Portion planner: https://lovefoodhatewaste.com/portion-planner?_ga=2.101382081.1557412642.1634124501-41571409.1634124501
· When will
you eat it?
· What are
the expiry dates?
Still not convinced? Eating realistic
portion sizes can save an average family over £700 pounds
a year (Love Food Hate Waste, 2021).
Incorporating planning into your
shopping list will reduce cost and minimise food waste - a win-win
for the planet & your pocket!
2. Support the wonky vegetables!
It shocks me that perfectly edible
food is thrown away just because it has an 'imperfect' appearance.
In your local supermarket you can look out for wonky vegetables!
3. Check out food waste initiatives -
Too Good To Go!
Too Good To Go is an application
which allows companies to utilise food waste. It is quite simple - food
that would have otherwise been thrown out can be pre-ordered and
paid for through the app. Customers arrive during the designated time slot & grab
the goodies!
It is cheap and there is plentiful choice - from grocery stores to restaurants. In Glasgow, companies such as Rose
& Grants, Starbucks, Nisa, Costa and Taco Mazama use Too Good To Go.
The beauty of it is, you don’t know what you will receive! This means you can try
new things and enjoy the anticipation...
SNEAK PEAK: Pret A Manger Magic Bag
Price: £4.00
Pickup time: 15:00-15:30
Contents: Tomato Soup, Chicken Laksa
Soup, Meatless Meatball Hot Wrap & Croissant.
How do you reduce food waste? Let me know in the comments!
References
Love Food Hate Waste. (2021). It All Adds Up. [online] Available at: <https://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/it-all-adds-up/>
[Accessed 13 October 2021].
Plester, J., (2021). How food waste is huge contributor to climate change. [online] the Guardian. Available at: <https://www.theguardian.com/news/2021/sep/04/how-food-waste-is-huge-contributor-to-climate-change> [Accessed 11 October 2021].
Toogoodtogo.org. (2021). | Too Good To Go. [online] Available at: <https://toogoodtogo.org/en> [Accessed 11 October 2021].
Making me think this week! My parents and grandparents had virtually no food waste that I can remember, but they shopped every day, and also they had endured wartime (WW2) food shortages and rationing, and that had a long-lasting impact on them. I used to be proud that I was using a food recycling bin – but now I’m shocked at how much is in it every week. I need help!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment, Ian. That is an interesting insight highlighting the food waste habits between different generations. We should take a leaf out of their book! Using a food bin is recycling at least, but better to not to overflow it. I'd recommend meal planning as a starting point! :)
DeleteI am lucky where I live.First off , ALL food waste including scraps, peelings are recycled by the local council. The food waste bin is the heaviest one every week as even wet coffee grounds go in.
DeleteNext ...since 2016 major local supermarkets have donated food that is on or just before the BEST before or sell by dates to a CIC. Each member of the CIC pays £5 each week and receives around £20 value of food. I get quite a bit from M and S each week. As soon as it arrives I mean plan. Today I put the oven on and made, cauli cheese, potato croquets, fruit crumble and sausage rolls. Whilst doing this I made curry with the rest of the veggies I received. One cooking session and eight meals produced. Usually there is too much for one person so I split the food with a neighbour. It is all food destined for landfill otherwise but the fruit and veg is still fresh.
Sometimes we also receive flowers and houseplants that are from M and S.
I never knew houseplants had sell by dates before..but they grow well any way!!!!
Hi Ruth, thank you for your comment!
DeleteThat is great to hear that there is a good local food recycling system in place where you stay. I am lucky to have the same facilities. I am also delighted to hear that major supermarkets are preventing food waste in such a positive way. I hadn't heard of that system before, but will look into that further. As for your cooking plan, it sounds delicious and well organised! Great idea to do it all at once and share with others :)
My favourite houseplant is from M&S - a Cyclamen. Doing well after a year. Hopefully many more to come!
Some of these facts are really eye opening! It's definitely motivated me to think about how I can reduce my food waste. One thing I do to reduce food waste is that I keep things like bread in the freezer so that it lasts longer. I also like to meal plan when I can!
ReplyDeleteI know, I have definitely become more aware of the drastic impact of food waste during this research. I love that tip! Thank you for sharing. Freezing food is one of the best ways to reduce waste, especially with large portions which can be easily reheated. Saves time too :)
DeleteThis is a great idea Kat. I, myself, am trying to limit my meat and dairy intake so this food waste article is right up my street. I think I will use your tips to make sure I waste less food.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! :) I would love to hear your favourite meat free recipes!
Delete