Food
Eat up
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What
Food is fantastic. Perhaps, because it’s so appealing, we often overestimate how much we actually need to buy.
Benefits
For people
Did you know the average UK household throws away £2 worth of food a day?
Yep, sadly, according to WRAP’s 2022 report, it’s true. We’re throwing away £14 a week and nearly £800 a year.
What would you do with a spare £800?
For planet
If food waste (across the supply chain) was a country, it would be the third highest emitter of greenhouse gases after the US and China.
When we throw food away, all the energy that went into growing, producing and transporting it goes to waste too.
Rotting organic waste on landfill sites produces the greenhouse gas methane, which is even more potent than CO2. So be sure to compost any food waste you do have (your local authority can give you guidance on this).
How
The good news is, cutting down on our household food waste isn’t just easy, it can be downright delicious!
Use your leftovers
Ends of cheese are great to flavour soups, stale bread makes a fantastic panzanella, and old fruit is delicious in flapjacks. Try these recipes for the most commonly wasted foods, or share what you don't want with your community through Olio.
Freeze food
Use old, clean jars or tupperware to freeze leftover portions of homemade meals. They’ll be welcome when you’re too tired or uninspired to cook. You can freeze berries this way too - add them to puddings and porridge at a later date.
Plan your meals
Write a shopping list - you’ll stop buying food you don’t need (it helps with healthy eating goals too!)
This portion calculator can help you prepare the right amount for each meal.
Store food well
○ Put newer items at the back of your cupboard & fridge, older items at the front.
○ Use airtight containers to keep food fresh in the fridge and for store cupboard items, keep packets closed to keep food fresh and stop insects getting in.
Beware bargains and bulk offers
Only buy the food that you need and you know you can eat while it’s still fresh or in date.
Speak up
What happens to food waste at your work, or your favourite cafe or restaurant? Ask the question and offer up these food waste tips for caterers, and make them aware of Too Good To Go.
