Wasting Food Feeds Climate Change!

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Did you know…

• 30% of global greenhouse gases come from producing our food, more than all commercial flights combined.

• If food waste were a country, it would have the third-biggest carbon footprint after the USA and China.

• If every UK household stopped wasting food for one day, it could do the same for greenhouse gas emissions as planting 640,000 trees per day (around 230 million per year).

• Almost 280 tonnes of poultry goes to waste in the UK every day, if we stopped wasting poultry, we could do the same for climate change as planting nearly 6.6 million trees every year.

• We throw away the equivalent of 3.1 million glasses of milk every day. If we used every drop, we could do the same for climate change as planting nearly 6 million trees per year.

• Every day 4.4 million potatoes go to waste in UK homes. If we all stopped wasting these potatoes it could do the same for greenhouse gas emissions as planting 5.4 million trees per year.

• 20 million slices of bread are thrown away at home in the UK every day. If we stopped wasting bread, it could do the same for greenhouse gas emissions as planting 5.3 million trees per year.

• 70% of food waste (post-farm gate) in the UK comes from households. But the good news is everyone can make a difference.

 

How can you help to reduce food waste?

There are several actions your household could consider:

• Make a shopping list before you go shopping – planning your meals and the portions needed often helps reduce waste.

• Check your fridge temperature – many fridges are above 5°C and food does not last as long!

• Keep an eye on your date labels. Confusion about the difference between ‘Best Before’ and ‘Use By’ dates can lead to perfectly good food being thrown out.

• Use-up all your leftovers – consider having a weekly ‘Use-up Leftovers Day’.

• Eat everything that is edible such as broccoli stalks and potato skins etc.

• Make the most of your cupboard – food that is stored correctly lasts longer.  Don’t forget to rotate foods that need to be used up by moving them near the front.  

• Make the most of your Freezer – be aware of what food can be frozen and which items can’t.   Consult the A to Z of Food Storage  at the Love Food Hate Waste website for more guidance. Freeze what you can’t eat.

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Check out the Love Food Hate Waste website for more tips like these!