Six ways to reduce food waste

With over 9.5 million tonnes of food wasted everywhere in the UK, it’s important we take steps towards reducing this. With ‘Stop food waste day’ among us, we’ve created a list of six different ways you can contribute to reducing the problem. In this article, we aim to provide practical advice on how to reduce food waste through smart, sustainable practices. From using up leftovers to properly storing food items, our tips will help you take meaningful steps towards reducing food waste and ensuring that those in need have access to the nourishment they require.  

Donate and repurpose your food 

Organisations like Olio offer you the opportunity to repurpose your food for those who may need it. The UK throws away over 9.5 million tonnes of food waste a year. This stat is even more surprising, considering 8.4 million people within the UK suffer from food poverty. Through Olio and others, you can choose to support those who may need it by offering your food on the app for free.  Consider donating to a local food bank. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference. Plus, it feels great to know that you’re making a positive impact in the world.  

Meal plans to help the planet  

Planning is a key component to achieving success, and this is especially true when it comes to meal planning. Taking the time to sit down and plan out your meals for the week can save you a ton of stress, time, and money. Not only will you be able to avoid daily trips to your local food store, but you’ll also be able to create a healthy and balanced meal plan that will help you stay on track with any health goals you may have set yourself. 

Shop smart – buy only what you need 

Whether it be Tesco, ASDA or your favourite corner shop, smart shopping is essential to avoiding food waste. Before you hit the stores, make a list of the things you need to purchase. Audit your home This way, you can avoid buying things on impulse that you don’t really need. From your previous shopping trips, what have you actually eaten, and what have you needed to replace? The less food you have to repurpose or waste, the better. Additionally, it’s important to check the expiration dates of the products you’re buying. Give yourself a chance to enjoy the food you’ve purchased. 

Donate to a local food bank 

Composting is an easy and effective way to reduce waste and reuse organic materials. By starting your own compost pile or bin, you can contribute to a healthier environment and even enhance your garden. Instead of throwing away food scraps, you can turn them into nutrient-rich compost that will replenish the soil and help plants grow. Composting has its positives and negatives, so please ensure you do your research into the best practices for composting.  

Manage what you have

As the world grapples with food waste, there has been a rising trend of using leftovers to create fresh meals. Thanks to the diverse range of recipes available on TikTok and other popular visual platforms, it has never been easier to repurpose your leftovers. However, it is important to remember that proper storage is key to getting the most out of your ingredients. Your shopping habits play a critical role in making sure you don’t throw away valuable food. By combining your culinary creativity with smart storage solutions, you can take an important step towards reducing food waste in your household. 

Food waste management – anaerobic digestion and more 

Reducing food waste is crucial for both our wallets and the environment. One effective step towards this goal is planning on how to repurpose or recycle leftover food. It’s essential to research the best recycling methods for the types of food we buy. Additionally, businesses and buildings must take responsibility for proper waste management through London’s most reliable recycling companies. Opting for companies that utilise anaerobic digestion processes is ideal for managing large pieces of food waste in an environmentally friendly manner. By doing this, we can all contribute to promoting a sustainable lifestyle and keeping our planet healthy for generations to come.