The Truth About Food Waste

How to Prevent Food Waste in Your Home

Food waste is a huge problem around the world. With one-third of the world’s food wasted each year (which is the equivalent to 1.3 billion tons) this shouldn’t come as a surprise. Consequently, it goes without saying, that something needs to be done…

Our food system has a substantial impact on biodiversity loss and is responsible for 60% of this globally. Similarly, 91% of the Amazon rainforest’s destruction has been caused by animal agriculture. While at sea it is reported by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation) that each year 35% of fish catches are wasted around the World. These numbers are shocking but it’s not just big companies who have a part to play, you at home are also responsible for food waste. Keep reading for our top food waste tips.

Leftover Loving

Leftovers are a great way to create new meals or enjoy for lunch the next day. Don’t let them go to waste. There are a number of websites with innovative leftover ideas, one of our favourites being Love Food, Hate Waste. Furthermore, any food that you’ve made which you know you won’t get around to eating, pop it in the freezer.

Planning and Storing to Reduce Food Waste

Above all, planning what goes into your pantry will prevent large quantities of waste. Remember to organise your weekly shopping trip and write a list throughout the week of all the things that you need. Also, reflect on what goes to waste each week and if you notice a trend, stop buying it all together or opt for a smaller bag or loose fruit and veg.

Ensure that you can see what is in your fridge. Because if you can’t see it, you probably won’t eat it! WRAP (a resource efficiency organisation who promote sustainability) suggest taking a #SHELFIE of your fridge or cupboards to remind you what’s there! This should help you to stop repeat buying what you already have.

Finally, our last tip for planning and storing your food is to research how to store food properly. Knowing how to properly store food will ensure it stays fresher for longer. Keep an eye out for Friday’s blog where we provide you with the need to know on how to correctly store the food you buy.

Get Creative With Your Compost

Composting is the most environmentally friendly way of dealing with your kitchen waste. What’s more, it’s easy to achieve. You can find some useful websites with guides on how to compost like recyclenow. By composting you will be doing your bit to stop food going to landfill.

Fun fact: composting at home for one year can save global warming gases that are the equivalent to all the CO2 your kettle produces annually. Composting is a great way to get the whole family involved. Get creative and decorate your compost bin into something special… If you do let us know!

Conclusion – The Harsh Truth

It’s devastating to know that all the world’s hungry one billion could be fed on less than a quarter of the food wasted in the UK, US and Europe. Whilst we are so needlessly wasting food the needy go hungry. It really is time to put a stop to food waste. Think before you buy and remember to use less stuff!