Food waste and what it costs you
Did you know that home food waste costs the average UK family £700 per year, which collectively adds up to £15 billion each year. It is said that in most developed countries, over half of all food waste takes place in the home.
According to the latest figures from WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) they estimate that by cutting food waste each household could save up to £700 per year as well as making less waste.
How to reduce food wastage
Don’t over buy
If you only do one thing off this list, try not to buy too much. Keep track of what you’ve bought and used. When you run out of things make a list or maybe take a ‘shelfie’- a photo of your fridge and cupboards to remind you of what’s there.
Check the use-by dates of fresh food when you buy it
These are the dates to take notice of, rather than the best -before dates. Only buy what you can use before it expires.
Plan ahead
Think about what you’re going to cook, make a weekly menu, and plan how you’ll use the leftovers. That way you’ll only buy and use what you need.
Love your freezer
Use your weekends to batch-cook and freeze. Not only does it save you money but also makes it easier on those days when you don’t want to cook.
Recycling
If you live in an area that has a local food waste recycling collection service, you can use this to dispose of anything you can’t eat, or you could compost it at home. Most food waste can be recycled into a good quality soil improver or fertiliser.
Use the correct bins and bin bags when you dispose of your waste. Most councils have different bins and bags for different types of rubbish.
By sorting your rubbish instead of throwing it all into general waste, you can free-up space in your general waste bin and avoid contamination .
Find out more about bin contamination
Don’t forget that different bins and bags will usually be collected on different days - you can check this on your local council’s website.