Food waste and waste reduction

Key facts about food waste

• the average UK family throws away almost £70 worth of food each month in the form of leftovers or items that weren’t eaten in time
• we waste more than nine billion slices of bread each year
• the production and transportation of food is one of the biggest causes of climate change

Top tips for reducing food waste

• plan meals and check what you have before you go shopping
• keep your fridge below 5°C to keep food fresh
• you can freeze food right up to the ‘use by’ date
• keep fruit and bread in the fridge to keep them fresher for longer
• create an eat me first shelf in the fridge for food close to the end of its life
• no need to peel carrots and potatoes; eat all the edible parts of your food
• even broccoli stalks are edible, but you need to peel back the tough outer layer
• cook meals at the weekend and freeze them to eat during the week

The website Love food Hate Waste has advice to help you save more and waste less.

Home composting

Composting at home cuts CO2 emissions and turns most kitchen and garden waste into a free supply of compost that will keep your garden blooming year after year.

Hampshire Council has teamed up with Getcomposting.com to offer discounts on home compost bins.

Visit www.getcomposting.com or call 0844 571 4444.

Could you be a Kitchen Hero?

Sign up today and earn Green Points by taking action to cut your food waste with Hampshire County Council. The hero with the most green points at the end of the month can choose from a selection of prizes including a £20 Love2Shop or M&S voucher!

How to reduce your food waste: 
You will be provided with easy activities to help cut down your food waste. Such as:
•    Shopping smart by making meals plans and lists
•    Keeping your food fresh for longer by improving your storage
•    Getting creative to make the most of your leftover

Visit www.hampshirekitchenheroes.co.uk to sign up.