THE FOOD WE WASTE
Food waste is a real problem and according to the EPA’s Stop Food Waste programme (http://www.stopfoodwaste.ie/) it is costing Irish householders €700 each year. Most of our wasted food ends up in landfills where it has significant local environmental impacts. But long before we even buy our food there are a whole load of other environmental costs associated with getting our food into our trolleys.
HOW MUCH FOOD DO WE WASTE?
In Ireland there is over one million tonnes of food waste disposed of each year. Around 1/3 of this comes from households and means that, at home, each person is throwing out about 80kg of food waste each year.
This may not sound like a lot on its own but when we add it up for all the people in Ireland it means that over 300,000 tonnes of food going to waste each year in our homes.
While some of this food waste cannot be avoided the majority of it could be saved if we managed our food better. And this would save us all some money!
In general, there are 3 types of food waste thrown out:
- 60%is avoidable food waste and includes food like plate scrapings, leftovers, gone off fruit and veg, passed its date perishables, etc.. This is the main area where people can save money and usually just requires a bit more awareness of how best to manage their food
- 20% is potentially avoidable food waste, things like bread crusts, potato skins, etc. These are food wastes that are often related to habits and, as with any habit, changing can be hard
- 20% is unavoidable food waste and includes things like chicken bones, banana skins, peelings, etc. Some of these items can be reduced (by better preparation techniques), reused (bones and veg peelings can be used to make stock)
and even turned into an ingredient (see the banana skin curry recipe, though the banana skin is not for eating!)
Obviously there will always be some food waste but, by initially focusing on the first 2 types of food waste mentioned above, you could cut the food you waste, and the money you spend on it, by anywhere up to 80%!
Challenge: How much do you waste?
HOW MUCH DOES FOOD WASTE COST US?
The true cost of food waste is difficult to put a number on but the average Irish household is binning between €400 – €1,000 worth of food each year.
How can this be?? Well there are different costs that go into getting the food from the supermarket shelf onto your plate and then into your bin but it has been estimated that the true costs of food waste are about €3 per kilogram. Of course this varies depending on the type of food you are throwing out but when you consider all the food that your household throws out each year it adds up.
So the next time you throw out a slice of bread, or that bag of salad left in the back of the fridge think about how this all adds up to money from your pocket going into the bin.
HOW CAN I STOP FOOD WASTE?
Because we all waste food for different reasons there will be different ways for each of us to Stop the Food we Waste.
Knowing what works for everyone is impossible so to really make a lasting change you need to consider how you manage your food from start to finish.
KNOW YOUR WASTE
PLANNING
SHOPPING
STORAGE
COOKING
Step 1. Know Your Food Waste
To stop food waste first become aware of what and how much you throw out.
- Separate your food waste - put your food waste into a separate container to see how much you really waste
- Record your waste – to remember the food you throw out, make a note of it.
- Identify the reasons - If you know what and why you throw out, you can work towards stopping it.
Step 2. Planning
- Know your cupboard – before you step outside your door, know what you already have.
- Make your plan - a sure way to reduce food waste is to plan your meals properly.
- Write your list - a properly planned shopping list will save you time, money and help you stop food waste!
Step 3.Shopping
This is one place you waste food before you even buy it… Buyer beware.
- Before – be prepared - Know what you need before you go and don’t shop on an empty stomach!
- During – be strong - You have your list, stick to it and beware, bargain buys often go to waste.
- After – how much have you saved? Shorter receipts? lighter bins? have a look and see what you have saved.
Step 4.Storage
Make the most of what you’ve bought and give your food a good home.
- Store it right – knowing the right place for the right food is half the battle.
- Use it right. Don’t get caught out, know your dates and use your friends, the fridge and freezer.
- Make it last. There are many great ways to preserve your food but do you know how?
Step 5.Cooking & Serving
Now to the tastiest part of stopping food waste – the eating part. Bon Appetit!
For more information on all aspects of food waste prevention and home composting go to: http://www.stopfoodwaste.ie
