3 Simple Tips To Reduce Food Waste

If you consider yourself an environmentalist, you might’ve remembered that recently it was World Environment Day – the United Nations day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment. One such way we can all contribute to reducing our carbon footprint on the planet is reducing the amount of food wasted.

Food Wastage In Australia And Around The World
Did you know that in Australia 7.6 million tonnes of food is lost or wasted every year, with 1/3 of all food globally going uneaten?1 The enormous cost of food wastage in our country is estimated at around $36.6 billion, or $2500 per household per year. So what can we do about it and how can we be part of the solution rather than the problem?

Tip 1 – Only buy what you need
Research shows that most of the food wasted comes from households with the top five most wasted foods being vegetables, bread, fruit, bagged salad and leftovers.2 To help reduce wastage, only buy what you need and avoid the trap of overspending ‘just in case’.

Tip 2 – Make a plan
Rather than guessing your way through supermarket aisles, prepare a shopping list beforehand and have an idea of what recipes you’re going to cook. Doing so means you’ll avoid buying too much and save time preparing meals too.

Tip 3 – Store leftovers in your freezer
Rather than throwing perfectly good food away, store your leftovers in containers in the fridge or freezer for a rainy day. Doing so saves you time and money, and means you’re not stuck for meal options when you haven’t had a chance to get to the grocery store.

What Else Is Being Done?
Food rescue organisations like SecondBite and Loaves and Fishes in Tasmania rescue food from landfill by partnering with growers, retailers and major supermarkets around the country like Coles, and distribute it to schools, communities and people in need through freshly prepared meals and food donations. In addition to this, Loaves and Fishes provides job opportunities to disadvantaged youth and individuals with a disability through their Devonport kitchen that produces ready-to-eat meals state-wide.

For more great tips, follow StLukesHealth on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.stlukes.com.au. You can also volunteer or learn more about Loaves and Fishes here in Tasmania by visiting https://loavesandfishestasmania.org.au/get-involved

₁ https://www.awe.gov.au/environment/protection/waste/food-waste 
2 https://www.ozharvest.org/food-waste-facts/