One of the biggest problems causing climate change is the amount of food wasted. We make enough food for each person in the world to consume 5000 calories, yet billions go hungry. A staggering 25-30% of food produced is wasted globally along the process from crop to fork to landfill. It is estimated that food waste contributes 8-10% to global greenhouse emissions. Over 50% of food waste is created in the household, so we can play a big role in reducing these emissions. Here are a few ideas to reduce the amount of food waste you create.

Buy what you need

It is estimated that you do not eat 22% of the food that you buy. Think of that saving you would make if you only bought what you ate! Avoid offers like ‘buy one get one free’ or ‘two for three’ offers, particularly on perishable food products. It is most likely to end up in the bin and you would have wasted your money.

Make more use of your freezer

Food is thrown away too quickly. The Best Before End date does not necessarily mean you have to throw away the food item, it is stating when food is at its freshest. You can extend the freshness of products, particularly fruits, vegetables, bread and meat by putting it in the freezer instead of the fridge. Anything can be frozen, including dairy products and eggs.

Plan your meals

Meal planning makes shopping easier, and you are less likely to buy ingredients you do not use. What is even better is that you weigh the ingredients when cooking, so you are aware how much you typically use. This will prevent you from over-estimating how much you need to buy.

Buy a composter

There are many types of composters to get rid of all your food waste. One of the most popular choices is a hot composter. A hot composter uses heat to turn food waste into compost quickly. It has a lid, so it keeps out the flies and the smells usually associated with other composters. It will also save you money buying compost for your garden. Other types of composters are wormeries….

Engage with food waste collection

Your local council may collect food waste on a certain day of the week. This differs across areas, so check out the policy of your local council to see if they collect food and when they do it.

Use Apps that reduce food waste

There are Apps which are focussed on reducing food waste we create. ‘Too good to go’ and ‘Karma’ list leftover food from bakeries, cafes and restaurants that consumers can buy at a big discount or get for free. Olio creates a platform for neighbours to give away their unwanted food and other any other item for free. There are apps that help you manage your food shopping and prevent food waste at home. Apps such as Nosh, Nowaste and Kitche learn your weekly shop, plan meals and categorise expiry dates. This helps you to prioritize what to use up first in your fridge and make shopping lists where you will not overspend on food you are unlikely to use. Many reviewers of these apps claim it has saved them time, energy and money managing food in their household.