This week sees the launch of the UK’s first and much needed Food Waste Action Week 2021 (1-7 March). 

While most of us know that food waste is a real issue, less than half of us (39%) connect food waste to climate change. 

Food Waste Action Week is here to bridge the gap and explain how wasting food fuels carbon emissions. 

Providing food for the planet’s population and its consumption creates a staggering 30% of man-made CO2e greenhouse gases. Yet despite the high levels of energy, land and water required to produce food, a large amount is sadly wasted. You might think supermarkets are the main culprit but, in the UK, 70% of all food waste is actually wasted at home. 

The Food Waste Trends Survey 2019 by Waste Resource Action Programme (WRAP) estimates that, on average, almost one in four potatoes (22.8%) are thrown away uneaten, compared to around a fifth of bread (21.5%), chicken (20.5%) and milk (18.4%).   

It might be a sprouting potato here and a mouldy yoghurt there, but it all adds up. Each year, UK households throw away a whopping 4.5 million tonnes of food that could have been eaten. 

It’s time to start connecting food waste with climate change and take action to reduce avoidable wastage, and value our food.  

But is this achievable with our busy lives, family needs and limited budgets?  In a word, yes!  And you’ll save money too! 

Small changes such as planning ahead and judging portion sizes correctly will make a surprisingly big difference to your bin and bank balance. If you keep track of what’s in your fridge, check before you do a weekly shop and make the most of your freezer, you are much less likely to waste food, and your money. 

During Food Waste Action Week, you can find practical tips and advice on how to reduce food waste and take part in a food waste challenge via Recycle Devon Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

For more information and reducing, reusing and recycling, visit www.recycledevon.org.