Reduce your food waste
Over the Christmas period millions of pounds worth of food will go to waste in the UK. It's estimated that 230,000 tonnes of food will be thrown away this festive period. That includes 9,300 tonnes of Brussels sprouts!
How to reduce your food waste this Christmas
There are many ways you can waste less food, both at Christmas and throughout the year. Here are a selection:
Before you head to the shops:
- check what you have in the cupboard
- plan ahead - Love food hate waste have a portion planner and festive meal plans on their website
- write a list of what you need
- take a photo of the inside of your cupboard or fridge to refer back to when you at the shops
When you are at the shops
- don't panic buy - supermarkets will only be closed on the bank holidays
- stop yourself from buying food 'just in case you need it' - this is often the food that ends up going to waste
- check the best before and use by dates
- refer to your list
When you get home
- store your food appropriately - check the packaging or use love food hate waste's A-Z of food storage
- freeze food that you will not be able to eat before its date
When your food is about to go out of date
- remember you can use your freezer to freeze food right up until the use by date
When you cook too much
- freeze portions to eat on a later day
- look for recipes to use your leftovers a new way, love food hate waste have a selection of recipes
What to do with any food waste you have
If you have any food waste, please put it in your blue food waste container
Find out what happens to the food waste we collect
Food waste is taken to an anaerobic digestion facility in Devon where it is converted into electricity and fertiliser. This video shows how food waste is processed.
Other things to do with excess food
Local food banks and community fridges would appreciate any additional food you have bought and will not eat.